Just before the tip off of Game 1 Western Conference Finals, the Oklahoma City crowd was treated to their super star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander receiving his MVP trophy. At the other end of the court, Victor Wembanyama was warming up. The question on the minds of many was exactly what Wemby’s response would be.
In a thrilling double-overtime Spurs victory, the question was answered. Wembanyama tallied a 41-point, 24 rebound game. Comparatively, SGA put up a 24-point game, starting slow with only four
points in the first half.
This was the Thunder’s first loss of the postseason. Not something they are used to, but then this wasn’t their usual game.
In fact, if not for the hot shooting of Alex Caruso’s 31-point night, the Thunder spent the evening on the outside looking in. At the end of the third quarter, Caruso and Jalen Williams, in his first game since contracting a hamstring injury, owned nearly half of the Thunder’s scoring output.
The game took its toll as the five starters all tallied more than 40 minutes apiece. Vassell had 51 while Wemby and Castle each played 49.
The Spurs led most of the game, and though the Thunder looked out of sorts, they remained within striking distance throughout. Toward the end of regulation, the momentum shifted slightly giving the Thunder a brief lead.
If not for Wemby’s timely 3-point shot, there might not have a second overtime.
Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals takes place on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. Expect the Thunder to play with some desperation. Expect they will smooth the rough edges of their Game 1 performance.
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