Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder snapped a three-game losing streak against the San Antonio Spurs with a 119-98 victory over their Western Conference rivals on Tuesday.
San Antonio have been the NBA champions’ bogey team this season, winning all three of their previous meetings last month with a series of wins that hinted at a tilt in the balance of power in the West.
But the Thunder’s potent offence and stifling defense finally got the upper hand over the Victor Wembanyama-led Spurs at Oklahoma City’s Paycom Center.
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After an even first half, the Thunder exploded after half-time with 40 points in the third quarter — 15 of them from Gilgeous-Alexander– that vaulted Oklahoma City into a 19-point lead to set up victory.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 34 points, five rebounds, five assists and four blocks while Jalen Williams had 20 points,three assists and two steals. Alex Caruso added 13 points from the bench.
Gilgeous-Alexander said Oklahoma City’s improved defence finally allowed the Thunder to claim a victory over San Antonio at the fourth attempt this season.
“Since the first time we played them we weren’t able to get stops, keep them out of transition — but tonight we did that,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
“This team had got the better of us the last few times we played them, and that doesn’t happen to this group,” Gilgeous-Alexander added.
“Uncomfortable feelings and adversity is where you go to find who you are. We showed it tonight.
“Tonight wasn’t our Super Bowl — it wasn’t anything else than another game in an 82-game season. We’ve got to find ways to get better, and we’ll continue to do so.”
Stephon Castle led San Antonio’s scoring with 20 points while Wembanyama finished with 17 points.
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The Thunder improved to 34-7 to lead the Western Conference standings, their fourth straight victory giving them a 6.5 game lead over second-placed San Antonio, who fell to 27-13.
Third placed Denver kept up the pressure at the top of the Western Conference, with Jamal Murray scoring 35 points in a 122-116 road win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Minnesota Timberwolves completed a season sweep over the Milwaukee Bucks with a crushing 139-106 victory after 29 points from Julius Randle.
Bones Hyland added 23 from the bench for the Wolves, who are in fourth place in the Western standings on 27-14.
Fifth-placed Houston improved to 23-14 after Kevin Durant’s 28 points helped the Rockets to a 119-113 win over the Chicago Bulls.