BREAKING: The San Antonio Spurs stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder with a thrilling 111-109 victory Saturday night, propelling them into the NBA Cup final. Star rookie Victor Wembanyama made a triumphant return from a 12-game absence, scoring 22 points and grabbing 9 rebounds, shocking the Thunder who had boasted a remarkable 16-game winning streak.
This urgent win marks only the second loss for the Thunder this season, now standing at 24-2. The Spurs will face the New York Knicks in the final on Tuesday night, poised to claim their first NBA Cup title. Oklahoma City’s last defeat was on November 5 against Portland.
Wembanyama, who received raucous “M-V-P” chants from the pro-Spurs crowd, showcased his skills despite being on a minutes restriction due to a strained left calf. The crowd erupted as he ditched his warm-ups before the second quarter, instantly energizing the team and fans alike. In just 21 minutes on the court, he delivered a staggering plus-21 rating.
“Victor’s presence was electric,” said Spurs coach Greg Popovich. “We knew he would make a difference, and he did just that.”
Teammate Devin Vassell also shined, contributing 23 points while De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle each added 22 points to the scoreboard. The Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led his team with 29 points, while Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams chipped in 17 points each.
Despite the loss, the Thunder remain a formidable force in the league, with the second-best start in NBA history, trailing only the 2015-2016 Golden State Warriors who began with a 25-1 record. However, the Spurs have now knocked them out of the Cup, showcasing their resilience and determination.
The game was tightly contested, with the Spurs overcoming a three-point deficit at halftime. They ignited a 13-point run at the end of the second quarter, setting the stage for a high-stakes third quarter where they surged ahead with a 10-point run to take control.
As the Spurs gear up for the final against the Knicks, anticipation builds among fans eager for a championship showdown. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exhilarating NBA Cup final on November 28, 2023.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Wembanyama’s return not only revitalized the Spurs but also sent a clear message to the league: San Antonio is a team to watch. This thrilling victory is sure to resonate in the hearts of Spurs fans as they head into the final.
