Spurs Tie Western Conference Finals as Defense Limits Thunder in Game 4

On Sunday, San Antonio beat Oklahoma City 103-82, tying the series at two games each. Victor Wembanyama posted 33 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three blocks. De’Aaron Fox contributed 12 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 19 points on 6-for-15 shooting.

Associated Press

The victory followed Oklahoma City’s 123-108 win in Game 3 and prevented the Spurs from falling behind 3-1. The series is now even.

Associated Press

Wembanyama’s 33 points marked a notable improvement from Game 3. Devin Vassell added 13 points and highlighted the defensive plan. Stephon Castle also contributed 13 points off the bench. Gilgeous-Alexander’s 19 points were the Thunder’s highest output.

Associated Press

• Thunder shot 33% overall; 6-for-33 on three-pointers (18%).

Associated Press

• Spurs held the Thunder to 38 points in the first half, the second-lowest half in recent postseason play.

Associated Press

• Bench output: Spurs 30 points, Thunder 34.

Associated Press

• First quarter: Spurs assisted on all 10 field goals.

Associated Press

• Thunder are 2-9 when scoring under 40 points in a half over the past five seasons; franchise low 65 points in 2014.

Associated Press

Spurs emphasized a “great defensive adjustment” that rotated shooters and limited open three-point attempts. Vassell said the team “cut them out” by preventing wide-open looks, forcing the Thunder into low-percentage shots.

Associated Press

Spurs players stressed high standards and collective responsibility. Vassell warned against falling 3-1, while Wembanyama affirmed his commitment to the team’s effort. Thunder guard Gilgeous-Alexander described the early phase as a “punch in the face,” reflecting frustration with the Spurs’ early aggression.

Associated Press

Gilgeous-Alexander also noted, “It’s two games in a row they’ve come out the aggressor… Tonight, we just didn’t do so,” indicating the Thunder view the Spurs’ early aggression as a decisive factor.

Associated Press

• “You definitely don’t want to go down 3-1 going into their house,” — Devin Vassell, Guard, San Antonio Spurs

Associated Press

• “We all have high standards and I know I have a lot of responsibilities, but I’m here for it,” — Victor Wembanyama, Forward/Center, San Antonio Spurs

Associated Press

• “They just punched us in our face early,” — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Guard, Oklahoma City Thunder

Associated Press

• “It’s two games in a row they’ve come out the aggressor. The last game we were able to course correct. Tonight, we just didn’t do so.” — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Guard, Oklahoma City Thunder

Associated Press

The Spurs’ defensive execution and balanced scoring restored parity, holding the Thunder to 33% shooting and a sub-40-point half, demonstrating the ability to influence the pace of play.

Associated Press

Game 5 will decide which team leads the series, with both clubs having the opportunity to adjust strategies based on the defensive battle in Game 4.

Associated Press