The Oklahoma City Thunder are one win away from reaching their second straight NBA Finals after beating the San Antonio Spurs 127-114.
Oklahoma City’s role players made all the difference in Game 5, and have throughout the series, as the Thunder have taken a 3-2 lead over the San Antonio Spurs.
Thunder’s Depth Proves Decisive
OKC’s depth has been a major factor in this series. The Thunder won despite missing injured All-Star forward Jalen Williams as well as guard Ajay Mitchell for the second straight game. Making his first playoff start, Jared McCain scored 20 points. Meanwhile, Alex Caruso, Kenrich Williams and Cason Wallace combined to score 37 off the bench.
“I never take it for granted when someone steps into a role like that in a game like this,” Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said of McCain. “I’m certainly not surprised. He’s got great moxie and confidence.”
Gilgeous-Alexander added, on Caruso: “He’s one of the best competitors in the NBA, night in and night out. He sets that tone for us as a group. It’s coming full-fledged in this series.”
Spurs’ Stars Struggle
The Spurs, on the other hand, have gotten inconsistent production from their stars and role players alike. Guards De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper combined to score only 14 points on 5-of-20 shooting.
Victor Wembanyama had his worst game of the series, recording only 20 points, six rebounds and one assist on 4-of-15 shooting. Wemby missed all five of his 3s and struggled to get into the paint. He also declined to speak with the media after the game.
“He’s got to take more than 15 shots, even with the free throws,” San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson said postgame. “He’s going to have to score more than 20 points, for sure.”
Johnson added: “OKC did a good job. We’ve got to do a better job.”
Thunder on the Verge
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 in the win, and now the Thunder have a chance to close out the Spurs in San Antonio tomorrow.