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NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder Reclaims Control Over San Antonio Spurs, One Win Away From Finals (127-114)
may 27 2026OKLAHOMA CITY. The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs 127-114 in Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference Finals and moved one victory away from returning to the NBA Finals. Led by a dominant Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 32 points, the Thunder bounced back from a tough Game 4 loss and now lead the series 3-2.
The defending NBA champion also found decisive contributions off the bench, with Alex Caruso scoring 22 points and rookie Jared McCain making the most of his first playoff start with 20 points in place of the injured Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell.
Oklahoma City Thunder came out determined to completely change the image they displayed two nights earlier in San Antonio, where they had scored just 82 points. This time, the home team reached that same total just minutes into the third quarter, displaying a much more aggressive and fluid offensive rhythm from the opening tip.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander set the offensive tone from the start, constantly attacking the San Antonio Spurs defense and creating advantages on every possession. Around him, Jared McCain responded with confidence in his playoff starting debut, while Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein dominated the paint.
The second quarter proved to be the game's turning point. Oklahoma City scored 40 points in that period to definitively break the tie. The Thunder punished every Spurs turnover and capitalized on San Antonio's inconsistent three-point shooting.
The game also featured a constant exchange of free throws. Both teams combined for 29 made free throws in just the second quarter alone, an unprecedented figure since the playoffs in the Orlando bubble. San Antonio converted 15 of 17 from the line, while Oklahoma City was a perfect 14 of 14.
After halftime, the Thunder built a 20-point lead thanks to Gilgeous-Alexander's control and the interior work of Holmgren and Hartenstein. Oklahoma City's center finished the game with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Hartenstein contributed a solid double-double of 12 points and 15 rebounds.
San Antonio Spurs attempted a comeback late in the third quarter. Stephon Castle led the rally with 24 points, Julian Champagnie added 22, and Victor Wembanyama finished with 20 points, though hampered by a poor 4-of-15 shooting performance.
The Spurs managed to cut the deficit to eight points, but the game heated up following several controversial officiating decisions. A potential goaltending call by Cason Wallace on Luke Kornet and a possession that appeared favorable to San Antonio sparked protests from head coach Mitch Johnson, who even received a technical foul after demanding an official review.
Despite the Spurs' push, Oklahoma City Thunder maintained emotional control of the game in the fourth quarter. The home team preserved double-digit leads throughout virtually the entire final period and secured a crucial victory in the race for the Western Conference title.
Beyond Gilgeous-Alexander's 32 points, the Thunder once again found roster depth with Alex Caruso's 22 points and Jared McCain's 20, crucial in compensating for the absences.
The victory leaves Oklahoma City Thunder one win away from returning to the NBA Finals, where the New York Knicks are already waiting. Game 6 will be played Thursday in San Antonio, while a potential Game 7 would return to Oklahoma City.
