Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 116-104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. This season opener served as a high-profile rematch of the 2026 Western Conference Finals, a series the Spurs won in seven games. The win allows Oklahoma City to start their campaign with momentum against a primary Western Conference rival.
How did the Thunder control the game?
The Thunder established dominance early, leading for all but the first five minutes of play. A significant scoring surge in the second quarter helped Oklahoma City build a 65-44 halftime lead. Key contributors included:
- Jared McCain, who recorded 20 points including six three-pointers.
- Chet Holmgren, who contributed 14 points and four blocks.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who shot 13-for-27 from the field.
While San Antonio mounted a 23-9 run to start the second half, the Thunder's offense remained steady to prevent a comeback.
Was the rivalry tension evident?
The physical nature of the matchup was clear during a second-quarter altercation. De’Aaron Fox was assessed a Flagrant Foul 1 after an incident involving Chet Holmgren, which resulted in a large scrum on the court. Several players, including Victor Wembanyama and Jalen Williams, received technical fouls during the dispute.
Despite the intensity, the Thunder used the momentum to go on a 9-0 run. San Antonio's star Victor Wembanyama struggled offensively, managing only 12 points on 1-for-13 shooting. His performance was hampered by a strong defensive showing from the Thunder, including a block by rookie Aday Mara.
FAQ
What was the significance of this matchup?
This game was the first meeting between the two teams since the Spurs defeated the Thunder in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals in May.
What are the next games for both teams?
Oklahoma City will host the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, while San Antonio will host the Houston Rockets.
