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Thunder Edge Spurs 122-113, Gilgeous-Alexander Clarifies Defense Comments

5/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander clarified his ambiguous remarks about Isaiah Hartenstein’s defense of Victor Wembanyama after the Thunder’s Game 2 win.
Oklahoma City beat San Antonio 122-113 in Game 2 at the Paycom Center, tying the series 1-1 as Hartenstein added 10 points, 13 rebounds and kept Wembanyama off the rim.
Victor Wembanyama posted 21 points, 17 rebounds, six assists and four blocks, down from his 41-point Game 1 effort.

History

Historical Context

After a 20-62 season in 1996-97, the Spurs won the 1997 draft lottery and selected Tim Duncan, pairing him with veteran David Robinson as the “Twin Towers.” Their 56-26 turnaround earned a fifth seed, and Duncan’s 32-point debut in the 1998 playoffs sparked a 2-1 series lead, illustrating how rookie fire can reshape a franchise.

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Story summary

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander clarified his ambiguous remarks about Isaiah Hartenstein’s defense of Victor Wembanyama after the Thunder’s Game 2 win.
Oklahoma City beat San Antonio 122-113 in Game 2 at the Paycom Center, tying the series 1-1 as Hartenstein added 10 points, 13 rebounds and kept Wembanyama off the rim.
Victor Wembanyama posted 21 points, 17 rebounds, six assists and four blocks, down from his 41-point Game 1 effort.

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