Coming off a tough Game 5 loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Spurs returned home down 3-2 with their backs against the wall. Game 6 got off to a blazing start for the Spurs, as they outscored OKC 35-22 in the first quarter. With a more aggressive approach, the Spurs drained eight threes in the first, which is the most they’ve scored in a playoff quarter since 1998. However, OKC responded with a 31-25 second quarter and cut the Spurs’ lead to seven. In the third, the Spurs finally were locked
in on both sides of the ball, going on a 20-0 run. The Thunder went almost eight minutes without a point. The Spurs outscored OKC 32-13 in the quarter and kept their pace up in the fourth. The Spurs ultimately won 118-91.
Victor Wembanyama led the way with 28 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and two steals. After shooting 4 of 15 in Game 5, Wemby started Game 6 with an aggressive mindset by draining three threes in the first quarter. 22 of his 28 points came in the first half, and he shut down OKC in the paint. The 22-year-old faced a lot of scrutiny after Game 5, but he responded with a reminder that there was a reason he was voted All-NBA First Team. If Spurs fans and NBA fans thought Game 6 Wemby was great, wait till his first-ever Game 7.
1st Quarter highlight tape! Wemby drains a pair of threes alongside swatting Jared McCain’s layup attempt off the glass!
STEPBACK! Wemby pulls out the stepback three over Isaiah Hartenstein for his third three of the quarter!
SPIN CYCLE! Wemby goes to work on Chet Holmgren by spinning off of him for the finish with the left hand!
Majestic! After the Spurs spread the ball around the perimeter, Wemby fakes out Hartenstein and uses his patience in the paint for the easy floater!
CAUTION: AREA 51 APPROACHING. Stephon Castle finds a hole in OKC’s zone defense by throwing up a lob to the sky for the one-handed Wemby jam!
Dylan Harper dropped 18 points (6-9 FG), six rebounds, and four assists in 22 minutes off the bench. After struggling the last couple of games, Dylan dropped his best game in the series since Game 1. Granted, he has been playing with an adductor injury. In Game 6, Dylan looked like he was at least 99% healthy. He showed off that quick first step and burst to the cup like Spurs fans have seen all year, and finished at the rim with finesse. If Dylan is healthy enough to have another game like this, it bodes well for the silver and black. Just a reminder: he’s only 20 years old.
DEFENSE TO OFFENSE! First, look at the hustle and disciplined defense Devin Vassell plays on this fastbreak. Dev stays vertical on the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander layup attempt, and blocks Alex Caruso’s putback attempt! The ball lands in De’Aaron Fox’s hands, and he throws it up for an open Dylan three in transition!
LOB DAGGER! Off the pick and roll, Dylan lobs it up to Luke Kornet for the high slam!
Stephon Castle dropped 17 points (5-10 FG, 7-8 FT), nine assists, five rebounds, and a steal. Steph played with control and shut down his opponents on defense. Ever since Fox returned in Game 3, Steph has only turned the ball over six times and has dished out 28 assists. He continues to play without fear, and his determination to get the paint by any means necessary provides scoring with either a tough bucket or a dime. The 21-year-old’s defense and his control will help determine the outcome of Game 7.
First points on the board! Steph drives into the paint and finds a wide-open Julian Champagnie for three! Julian has been solid these last two games, including 10 points (4-8 3PT), six rebounds, two blocks, two assists, and a steal.
LOOK OUT BELOW! Steph finds Carter Bryant, and he detonates with a two-handed slam!
Corner specialist! Steph finds Julian again open in the corner for the trey!
AND-ONE! Castle gets Jaylin Williams up in the air for the and-one finish!
Another drive, another tough bucket! Steph drives into the paint and finishes over Jalen Williams for two!
Devin Vassell dropped 12 points (4-7 3PT), two assists, one rebound, two blocks, and a steal. It has been said multiple times this postseason, but Dev has taken his game to another level throughout every playoff series. In this one especially, he has shown OKC that he does not fear them, and he continues to make every crucial momentum-building play for the Spurs. Besides his timely threes, he continues to be solid on defense. Whether it has been on the perimeter or in the paint, Dev has made a play. In terms of impact and efficiency, Dev is more than likely to make an impact in Game 7.
D3VIN! Dev knocks down the early three off the Steph dish!
ANOTHER DEV SWAT AT THE RIM! Dev denies Holmgren at the rim and shows him that he is not backing down!
SNIPER! Dev knocks down his fourth three-pointer of the game from the wing in transition!
When the Spurs were on the ropes, they simply returned a heavy blow. They were ready to respond after Game 5. They are showing the Thunder that they will not give up or waver. This was a total team effort on both sides of the ball, somehow more dominant than Game 4. This team’s confidence is through the roof heading to Game 7. Even though the odds are not in their favor with them going on the road and playing in their first Game 7 this season, lack of experience has not stopped this train. On Saturday, Spurs fans will witness if this young and resilient team can punch their ticket to the NBA Finals.
Finally, here are the full game highlights.
The best two words in sports: Game 7. This Saturday at 7:00 P.M. (CST) on NBC/Peacock, the Spurs face their toughest game of the entire postseason.
