Oklahoma City Thunder coach Mark Daigneault met with reporters Saturday morning after a 123-108 victory against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder now lead the series 2-1. Daigneault said he watched film after the game.
Spurs’ Early Lead Vanishes
The start of Game 3 saw the Spurs take a 15-0 lead. However, the Thunder responded with a 123-93 run. Daigneault acknowledged the need to earn Game 4. “We had a great win last night, and you just know Game 4, you’re going to have to really earn it if you want to go get that game,” Daigneault said.
Wembanyama’s Impact on the Court
The Spurs have a positive net rating when Victor Wembanyama is on the court, scoring 114.2 points and allowing 108 points per 100 possessions. However, the Thunder are outperforming the Spurs when Wembanyama is on the bench. In the nine minutes Wembanyama was on the bench in Game 3, the Thunder outscored the Spurs 35-16.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson addressed the team’s performance during those minutes. “We can’t play him 48 minutes, so you can’t lose by 20 in those minutes,” said Johnson. “There’s a combination of who are we playing, what are we running, what’s the game plan during that time, and I’ve got to make sure I help that group, and the group when Victor’s in there has to be better, too.”
Wembanyama’s Production Declines
Wembanyama had 26 points in Game 3, but his production has decreased in certain areas. His rebounding numbers have declined throughout the series. He had 24 rebounds in Game 1, 17 in Game 2 and four in Game 3. He also went from nine offensive rebounds to five, then zero.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (26 points) leads the Thunder toward a potential third consecutive win over the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder won’t be so presumptuous as to think they’ve figured anything out against Victor Wembanyama.
Game 4 is on Sunday in San Antonio.