Thunder take 2-1 Western Conference lead over Spurs with Game 3 win

Oklahoma City took control of the Western Conference finals Friday night with a 123-108 win over San Antonio in Game 3, turning a fast Spurs start into a 2-1 series lead. The Thunder trailed by 15 in the opening minutes at Frost Bank Center before their bench changed the game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 26 points and 12 assists, while Jared McCain delivered 24 points in the road win. NBA.com said Oklahoma City’s reserves produced playoff career highs from both McCain and Jaylin Williams as the series shifted back to San Antonio. ### How did Oklahoma City flip a game that started 15-0 for San Antonio? San Antonio opened Game 3 with a 15-0 run less than three minutes into the first quarter, but Oklahoma City answered quickly after coach Mark Daigneault went to his bench. Newsday reported that move helped stabilize the game, and the Thunder eventually turned the early hole into a 15-point win. (nba.com) The Thunder’s response came from depth as much as from their stars. NBA.com said Oklahoma City’s bench scored 76 points, and Sporting News called that a franchise playoff high. Yahoo Sports said the Thunder had “more ideas” as the game settled into a slower, more physical contest. (newsday.com) ### Why was Jared McCain the player everyone left talking about? Jared McCain scored 24 points in Game 3, a playoff career high, and repeatedly attacked San Antonio’s defense even with Victor Wembanyama protecting the paint. The Cincinnati Enquirer said McCain’s fearless drives were central to the Thunder’s comeback after the Spurs’ early burst. (nba.com) NBA.com said McCain and Jaylin Williams both set playoff career highs in scoring, giving Oklahoma City production beyond its usual first options. Yahoo Sports framed McCain’s night as part of a broader Thunder advantage in lineup flexibility, while The Athletic, cited in the source briefing, described his scoring outburst as pivotal to the result. (cincinnati.com) ### What did the stars do while the bench swung the game? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 26 points and 12 assists for Oklahoma City, keeping the offense organized once the Thunder recovered from the opening deficit. Sporting News and Outlook India both listed him among the central drivers of the win, even as the bench drew much of the postgame attention. (nba.com) Victor Wembanyama scored 26 points for San Antonio, and all five Spurs starters finished in double figures, according to Sporting News. But Yahoo Sports’ live box report said Oklahoma City got 15 points from Alex Caruso and key support from Jaylin Williams while playing without its usual balance from the opening tip. (sportingnews.com) ### Where does the series stand now? Oklahoma City now leads the Western Conference finals 2-1 after splitting the first two games and then winning on the road in San Antonio. CBS Sports’ playoff bracket page said the defending champions are two wins from another trip to the NBA Finals, while NBA.com’s playoff page lists the Thunder-Spurs matchup as one of the league’s two conference-final series. (sportingnews.com) Basketball-Reference and other playoff trackers also show the series at 2-1 entering the next game, with San Antonio still holding home court for Game 4. ### What comes next in Game 4? Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday in San Antonio, with Oklahoma City trying to turn its 2-1 edge into a 3-1 lead. (cbssports.com) CBS Sports’ Game 4 preview said the Spurs were listed as slight favorites despite trailing in the series, and NBC Sports’ playoff schedule page said the NBA Finals are set to begin June 3. (basketball-reference.com) Sunday’s game gives San Antonio a chance to level the series before it shifts again, and it gives Oklahoma City a chance to leave Texas with control of the West finals. (cbssports.com)