UPDATE: In a thrilling upset, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-109 on Saturday night, advancing to the NBA Cup final. This shocking victory marks the Thunder’s second loss this season, breaking their impressive 16-game winning streak and underscoring the Spurs’ resilience.
The game took place in Las Vegas, where Victor Wembanyama made a triumphant return after a 12-game absence, scoring 22 points and grabbing nine rebounds. His performance not only electrified the fans but also provided a crucial boost to the Spurs, who will face the New York Knicks on Tuesday night in the final.
Wembanyama, who suffered from a strained left calf, was placed on a minutes restriction but made a significant impact in just 21 minutes of play. The crowd erupted with “M-V-P” chants as he showcased his skills, finishing the game with a remarkable plus-21 rating. Teammate Devin Vassell also contributed with 23 points, while De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle each added 22 points.
Despite leading the game for much of the first half, the Thunder fell behind after the Spurs launched a fierce comeback, ending the first half with a critical 13-point run. The Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led his team with 29 points, but the Spurs’ defense proved too strong in the tense final minutes.
This loss marks Oklahoma City’s second consecutive defeat in Las Vegas, having also lost last year’s final to Milwaukee 97-81. The Thunder now hold a record of 24-2, only behind the historic 25-1 start by the Golden State Warriors in the 2015-16 season.
The Spurs’ victory resonates deeply, not only for the team but for fans who witnessed Wembanyama’s impactful return. As the NBA Cup final approaches, all eyes will be on San Antonio to see if they can continue their winning momentum against the formidable Knicks.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.