Thunder Defeat Spurs to Edge Closer to NBA Finals

Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander overcame a slow start to score 32 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the San Antonio Spurs 127‑114, moving within one win of a second consecutive NBA Finals appearance.

Gilgeous‑Alexander missed his first four attempts in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals in Oklahoma City, but responded with five straight points to help the Thunder erase an early eight‑point deficit.

The hosts entered halftime with an 11‑point lead, then opened the third quarter with a nine‑point run to extend the advantage and take a 3‑2 series lead in the best‑of‑seven.

Two‑time MVP Gilgeous‑Alexander was 7‑for‑19 from the field but converted 16 of 17 free throws.

“If it was four or five of me out there, we would’ve been down 20 after the first quarter,” Gilgeous‑Alexander said. “I probably should never start like that again.”

Jared McCain filled in for Cason Wallace, scoring 18 points after halftime to finish with 20.

Alex Caruso rebounded from a scoreless night in Game 4, contributing 22 points.

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