Spurs vs Thunder Recap: Wembanyama, Castle spark OKC 127-114

The Oklahoma City Thunder marched into San Antonio needing just one win to reach the Finals. The Spurs? They refused to go quietly. This was Game 5 of the Conference Finals, and both teams wanted it badly.

The first quarter became a three-point shooting contest. Julian Champagnie lit it up for San Antonio, hitting three straight from beyond the arc early on. The Spurs jumped ahead 16-8. But Oklahoma City kept battling back. Chet Holmgren grabbed a couple buckets. Alex Caruso nailed a three-pointer to tie it at 20-20. By the end of the first, neither team wanted to give an inch. The score stood 27-27, completely even. This game had all the energy of a championship bout right from tipoff.

The second quarter belonged to Oklahoma City. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander woke up and started attacking the basket with purpose. His stepback jumper pushed the Thunder ahead 47-44. Then came the devastating run. Chet Holmgren threw down a layup. Alex Caruso drained another three. By halftime, Oklahoma City had built a 69-58 lead—an 11-point cushion that felt like a mountain.

San Antonio tried climbing back in the third quarter. Keldon Johnson hit a three-pointer to cut it to 85-73. Stephon Castle answered with one of his own at 87-76. But Shai kept scoring. His stepback three made it 76-58. Every time the Spurs scratched closer, the Thunder had an answer. Oklahoma City's defense smothered San Antonio's shooters all night long.

The fourth quarter was all Thunder control. Isaiah Hartenstein dominated inside with a dunk and a turnaround hook shot that made it 109-99. Jared McCain fired in back-to-back three-pointers to stretch it to 118-103. San Antonio mounted one last push—Stephon Castle hit a three with 2:58 left to make it 118-106. But it wasn't enough.

Shai delivered the final blow with a layup at 2:34 that sealed it 120-106. When the dust settled, Oklahoma City won 127-114. The Thunder improved to 65-18 and advanced to the Finals to defend their championship. San Antonio finished 62-20 but fell short in the Conference Finals. Victor Wembanyama and his young Spurs had made believers of everyone—just not quite believers enough this time.