Thunder beat Spurs in Game 3 on May 22, take 2–1 Western Conference lead

Oklahoma City seized control of the Western Conference finals on May 22 by beating San Antonio 123-108 in Game 3 after opening the night in a 15-0 hole. The Thunder now lead the series 2-1, with the win built less on a single scoring burst than on depth, pace and a second-unit avalanche that changed the game by halftime. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 26 points and 10 assists, while Victor Wembanyama scored 26 for San Antonio. The game was played at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. ### How did Oklahoma City flip a game that started 15-0 San Antonio? San Antonio opened by scoring the game’s first 15 points, forcing Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault to his bench before the first quarter was three minutes old. The move changed the rhythm of the game, and the Thunder settled in behind reserve scoring, ball movement and a steadier defensive possession game, according to the Associated Press and game reports. (jsonline.com) Oklahoma City outscored San Antonio 123-93 from that point forward. By the end of the night, the Thunder had turned a one-sided opening stretch into a 15-point win, with the comeback anchored by lineups that extended pressure beyond the starting group. (apnews.com) ### Why was the bench the defining number from Game 3? Oklahoma City’s reserves scored 76 points, which multiple reports described as a franchise playoff record and the key statistical swing in the game. ESPN Research, cited in recap coverage, said the Thunder bench outscored San Antonio’s reserves 76-23. (jsonline.com) The Associated Press said Daigneault’s early turn to the bench came with Oklahoma City down 15-0, and that decision produced the game’s central imbalance. Sporting News also described it as a record night from the Thunder bench, while NBC Sports’ highlight package said the performance helped Oklahoma City take a 2-1 series lead. (msn.com) ### What did Gilgeous-Alexander and Wembanyama actually do? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander posted 26 points and 10 assists for Oklahoma City, giving the Thunder both scoring control and half-court organization once the game settled. Box-score listings and game reports show he played 36 minutes and finished as Oklahoma City’s top scorer while also directing the offense. (apnews.com) Victor Wembanyama scored 26 points for San Antonio, and Sporting News said all five Spurs starters finished in double figures. That balance was enough to build the early lead, but it did not hold once Oklahoma City’s second unit began winning minutes. (sportingnews.com) ### Where does the series stand now? The NBA playoff bracket shows Oklahoma City leading the best-of-seven series 2-1 after splitting the first two games and taking Game 3 on the road. NBA.com lists the series page with Oklahoma City ahead and identifies Game 4 as the next scheduled matchup. The same series page lists average scoring through three games at 120.0 points for Oklahoma City and 114.3 for San Antonio, with Gilgeous-Alexander averaging 26.7 points per game in the series and Wembanyama averaging 29.3 points and 15.0 rebounds. (sportingnews.com) ### When is Game 4 and how can viewers watch it? Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, at 8 p.m. (nba.com) Eastern in San Antonio, according to NBA.com’s series page. The schedule listing says NBC and Peacock will carry the game. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s TV schedule item for Game 3 said NBC and Peacock hold the Western Conference finals broadcast and streaming window. (nba.com) That leaves the next step straightforward: San Antonio will try to even the series at home on May 24, and Oklahoma City will try to turn its 2-1 edge into a 3-1 lead before the series shifts again. (jsonline.com)