Spurs even NBA playoffs with 33-point performance from Wembanyama

San Antonio Spurs Level NBA Western Conference Finals at 2-2 After Rout of Oklahoma City

The San Antonio Spurs have levelled the NBA Western Conference Finals at two games each after a convincing 103-82 win over defending champions Oklahoma City on Sunday. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 33 points, shooting 11-of-22 from the floor and 3-of-7 from three-point range.

The 22-year-old French centre also contributed eight rebounds, five assists, three blocked shots, and two steals in 31 minutes for the Spurs. “I need to find ways to impact the game in many areas,” Wembanyama said. “I have a lot of responsibilities, but I’m here for it.”

The Spurs pulled level at 2-2 in the best-of-seven playoff series, with Game Five on Tuesday in Oklahoma City and Game Six back in San Antonio on Thursday. The Thunder had been unbeaten on the road in this year’s playoffs but were foiled by a strong Spurs defensive effort.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 19 points, while NBA Most Valuable Player Wembanyama also sank a half-court shot at the buzzer to give the Spurs a 50-38 half-time lead. The Spurs opened the third quarter with a 15-5 run to seize their biggest lead of the game.

The series is now set to continue in Oklahoma City and San Antonio, with the Thunder seeking to become the NBA’s first back-to-back champions since Golden State in 2017-2018. The Spurs aim for their first trip to the NBA Finals since winning the crown in 2014.

Source: Al Jazeera