Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder past Spurs in San Antonio opener
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points to guide Oklahoma City past San Antonio in their season opener. The road victory avenged the playoff loss that ended their title defense dreams last season. Jared McCain contributed 20 points on six 3-pointers.
Oklahoma City led for all but the first five minutes of the contest. San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama finished with 12 points. He shot 1 for 13 from the field.
That mark matched his fewest field goals since May 10 against Minnesota. Wembanyama missed his first 12 shots of the night. Rookie Aday Mara blocked one early alley-oop attempt.
Wembanyama made his lone field goal as the third quarter expired. De’Aaron Fox delivered the alley-oop pass on that scoring play.
The meeting was the first between the teams since May 30. San Antonio won that Game 7 matchup in Oklahoma City by an 111-103 score.
Tensions flared three minutes into the second quarter of the rematch. Fox received a Flagrant Foul 1 for tossing Chet Holmgren to the floor. The players had become entangled inside the paint.
The action sparked a major scrum near the basket. Wembanyama and Jaylin Williams exchanged shoves and required separation. Officials assessed technical fouls to four players:
- Victor Wembanyama
- Jaylin Williams
- Jalen Williams
- Kenrich Williams
Oklahoma City responded with nine straight points. Jalen Williams and Kenrich Williams combined for five points during that stretch. Harrison Barnes hit a 3-pointer for San Antonio to halt the initial push.
Oklahoma City answered with 13 straight points. Cason Wallace hit a 3-pointer to stretch the margin to 59-33. The visiting team outscored San Antonio 31-16 in the second period.
Oklahoma City held a 65-44 advantage at halftime. San Antonio responded with a 23-9 run to begin the second half. That surge trimmed a 26-point deficit down to single digits.
Gilgeous-Alexander and McCain halted the home rally. The pair combined for 25 points across the second half.
Regular season basketball games feature four 12-minute quarters. Teams play an 82-game schedule before the postseason tournament begins. Roster members travel across host cities for home and road contests.
Oklahoma City returns home to host Denver on Thursday night. San Antonio will host Houston in Austin on Friday night.
