Gilgeous-Alexander lifts Thunder past Spurs

OKLAHOMA CITY — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points and dished out nine assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the San Antonio Spurs, 122-113, on Wednesday to even the Western Conference finals at 1-1.

The defending NBA champion Thunder bounced back from Monday’s Game 1 loss, when Gilgeous-Alexander was largely contained by San Antonio.

“The guys brought it tonight, knowing what it would have meant if we lost this one,” said Gilgeous-Alexander.

“We brought the energy from the jump.”

The series now shifts to San Antonio for games three and four on Friday and Saturday.

Two nights after a double-overtime classic opened the series, the two teams with the NBA’s best regular-season records delivered another physical, high-intensity matchup.

Following a tied first quarter, Oklahoma City surged in the second period to take an 11-point halftime lead.

Gilgeous-Alexander set the tone early after a sluggish start in Game 1, repeatedly finding space for mid-range baskets.

Oklahoma City’s defense also dictated the first half, forcing 13 turnovers that led to 16 points.

Victor Wembanyama, who dazzled in Game 1 with 41 points and 24 rebounds, was kept from taking over as Isaiah Hartenstein battled him inside and the Thunder sent aggressive double teams.

Stephon Castle responded for San Antonio with one of the game’s highlight plays, soaring for a sensational dunk over the head of the 7-foot Hartenstein.

The Spurs played without starting guard De’Aaron Fox for a second consecutive game because of a right ankle sprain.

San Antonio rallied from 13 points down and pulled level midway through the third quarter.

Oklahoma City, however, absorbed the pressure and never allowed the Spurs to retake the lead.

“The guys were ready to play, (we) didn’t get discouraged by the runs they made,” said Gilgeous-Alexander, after the game.

“Obviously, they’re a good team, they are gonna make runs.”

The game’s physicality took a toll on both teams, with Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams and San Antonio’s Dylan Harper leaving with injuries and not returning.

The Thunder regained separation in the fourth quarter behind Gilgeous-Alexander, who buried another step-back jumper.

Alex Caruso’s layup stretched the lead to nine with 20 seconds remaining, effectively sealing the win.

“We got a W, it’s all you can ask for. Now we got to go on the road against a really good team and go get one,” said Gilgeous-Alexander.

A downcast Wembanyama said Gilgeous-Alexander had “made shots, but nothing that he hasn’t made all season.”

“We worked on it, we just didn’t apply as much,” said the Frenchman.

Oklahoma City is seeking to become the first team to repeat as NBA champion since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018.

The Thunder racked up a league-best 64 regular-season wins and swept the Phoenix Suns and LeBron James’s Los Angeles Lakers in the first two playoff rounds.

San Antonio won 62 regular-season games and returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2019.

The Spurs entered the series having won four of five regular-season meetings against the Thunder.