Thunder even series 1-1 after Game 2 win over Spurs

Oklahoma City answered two nights after its first postseason loss. The Thunder beat the San Antonio Spurs 122-113 on May 20 at Paycom Center, leveling the Western Conference finals at 1-1 after San Antonio won Game 1 in double overtime. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 30 points and nine assists, and the Thunder’s defense changed the shape of the game by forcing 21 Spurs turnovers. Game 3 shifts to San Antonio on Friday, May 22, with the series back on even terms. ### How did Oklahoma City change the game after the Game 1 loss? The Thunder took control late in the first quarter and held the lead for most of the night, according to NBA.com. Oklahoma City had lost Game 1, 122-115 in double overtime on May 18, when Victor Wembanyama posted 41 points and 24 rebounds and the Spurs stole home-court advantage. Mark Daigneault said after Game 2 that “the overall flow, rhythm, was really good,” according to NBA.com. The Thunder were cleaner offensively than they were in the opener, and their ball pressure produced the extra possessions they did not have two nights earlier. ### Which numbers mattered most in Game 2? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 30 points, four rebounds, nine assists and two blocks in 38:19, according to the NBA box score. Alex Caruso added 17 points and five assists off the bench, while Cason Wallace scored 12 and made four 3-pointers. San Antonio’s 21 turnovers were the biggest swing statistic. NBA.com said Oklahoma City turned those giveaways into a 27-10 advantage in points off turnovers, and Stephon Castle alone had nine turnovers despite scoring 25 points with eight assists. ### What did San Antonio still get from its top players? Victor Wembanyama still produced across the box score. The Spurs star had 21 points, 17 rebounds, six assists and four blocks, while Castle gave San Antonio 25 points and Devin Vassell added 22. Those numbers kept the Spurs within reach for most of the second half. San Antonio shot 48.8% from the field and 40% from 3-point range, according to the NBA box score, but the turnover count kept cutting into those efficient possessions. ### How much help did Gilgeous-Alexander get? Oklahoma City had balanced support around its lead guard. Isaiah Hartenstein posted 10 points and 13 rebounds, Ajay Mitchell scored 10, and Jared McCain added 12 points with six rebounds. The Thunder also got a lift from their rotation shooting. Oklahoma City made 13 of 36 from 3-point range, and Wallace and Caruso combined to go 7-for-10 from deep, helping the Thunder answer San Antonio runs without needing another late-game scramble. ### Did injuries affect the rotation? Jalen Williams started but played only 7:18 before exiting, according to the NBA box score and the NBA playoff series page, which listed him as leaving Game 2 with a hamstring issue. He still scored four points before leaving. De’Aaron Fox did not play for San Antonio. The NBA playoff series page listed Fox as sidelined for Game 2, after he also missed Game 1. ### What changes now that the series moves to Texas? The series schedule now shifts to San Antonio for Game 3 on Friday, May 22, at 8:30 p.m. ET, according to NBA.com. Game 4 is set for Sunday, May 24, also in San Antonio, before the series returns to Oklahoma City for Game 5 if needed. Oklahoma City entered the playoffs as the West’s No. 1 seed after a 64-18 regular season, and San Antonio is now headed home with the series tied instead of holding a 2-0 lead. Friday’s game will be the first conference finals game of the series at the Spurs’ home floor.