The Oklahoma City Thunder recovered from falling 15-0 behind in the first three minutes to take a 2-1 lead. It was a response built on depth and composure under intense early pressure.
Victor Wembanyama once again carried San Antonio Spurs’ scoring burden, but questions around his influence persisted.
Wembanyama, who top-scored for Spurs with 24 points, said: “I feel like I have trouble making my team-mates better right now.”
Devin Russell, with 20, was the only other Spurs player to score more than 15 points. That imbalance continues to show San Antonio’s overreliance on their young superstar.
In the series opener, Wembanyama became the youngest player in NBA history to post dominant numbers. The Spurs took game one 122-115 before momentum shifted dramatically in the following fixtures.
He finished with 21 points and 17 rebounds in game two, which the Spurs lost 122-113.
“My shooting splits aren’t terrible,” said 22-year-old Wembanyama.
“I need to facilitate better, rebound the ball better, push their defence a little bit further, and see how much they need to help with my team-mates and feed them.”
Thunder bench explosion and MVP brilliance swing Western Conference finals momentum
The Thunder scored 76 points off the bench at Frost Bank Center in game three. That tally is the highest in a conference finals game since 1984.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered yet another MVP-level performance with 26 points and 12 assists. Jared McCain added 24 to ensure Oklahoma’s offensive spread overwhelmed San Antonio.
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Game four takes place at the same venue on Sunday. The stakes now tilt heavily toward the Thunder as they eye a commanding lead.
The winners of the Western Conference finals will meet the New York Knicks or Cleveland Cavaliers. Meanwhile, the Knicks lead 2-0 in the Eastern Conference finals.
Thunder rally from 15-0 down to lead Spurs 2-1 as Wembanyama admits struggles in Western Conference finals battle.
