3 Takeaways: Spurs outlast Thunder in Game 1 double overtime thriller
OKLAHOMA CITY — For one of the most-anticipated series in recent memory, Game 1 lived up to the hype and exceeded far beyond expectations. The San Antonio Spurs beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 122-115 in double overtime Monday in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals inside Oklahoma City’s Paycom Center. The Spurs dictated most of the game with the Thunder making a push to force overtime.
The Spurs, though, survived with clutch plays from superstar Victor Wembanyama. Wemby is an anomaly Simply put, Victor Wembanyama is the ultimate cheat code. He can score at-will.
He influences opponents to avoid attacking the paint. He can defend any player and block any shot. Oh, he can also shoot the 3-ball — which he did in the clutchest of moments in Monday’s big win.
Wembanyama drilled a 28-foot 3-pointer down three points with 27 seconds left in the first overtime to pull the Spurs back to a tie and ultimately force double OT. He pulled up in-transition with no defender near him willing to defend a low-percentage shot. When Wembanyama is making shots like those while also absolutely dominating the paint, getting anything he wants at the rim, it’s almost impossible to beat the Spurs.
On top of his 41-point and 24-rebound performance, Wembanyama had help from his young guards. Rookie Dylan Harper got 24 points with 11 rebounds, six assists and seven steals while second-year guard Stephon Castle scored 17 points with 11 assists. The Spurs made most of their 3s in the first half, but had a few clutch shots from Julian Champagnie and Devin Vassell.