A new chapter for Spurs, a stunning upset for Thunder: Wembanyama shines as San Antonio reaches the NBA Cup final.
French wunderkind Victor Wembanyama, back in action after a 12-game layoff tied to a month-long injury, delivered a standout performance that propelled the Spurs past Oklahoma City, handing the Thunder just their second loss of the season.
Oklahoma City entered with momentum, riding a 16-game winning streak and eyeing a Tuesday final against the New York Knicks after storming ahead by 16 in the second quarter. Yet the 7-foot-4 rookie transformed the tide, anchoring a relentless comeback on both ends of the floor to pave a dramatic Spurs victory.
Wembanyama came off the bench, sitting out the first period, and made an immediate impact upon his entrance in the second. In only 21 minutes of action, he totaled 22 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks.
“I knew my minutes would be limited, so I had to maximize them,” he said.
“Beating a team of this caliber might feel like just another game, but it’s a collective effort and far from easy. They’re only the second team this season to lose,” he added.
Among San Antonio’s many contributors, four players reached double figures, with Devin Vassell pouring in 23 points and Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox chipping in 22 each.
Wembanyama praised the balance within the squad: “There were three or four guys who scored over 20. It shows that everyone was engaged, and that bodes well for where this franchise is headed.” He also reflected on the broader challenge of the NBA, noting that the league tests every limit and that, after a long rest, he felt especially fresh and ready.
On the Thunder side, reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 29 points, while Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren contributed 17 each.
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