UPDATE: The San Antonio Spurs have stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder with a thrilling 111-109 victory in Las Vegas, propelling them into the NBA Cup final. This shocking outcome ends the Thunder’s impressive 16-game winning streak and marks only their second loss of the season.
In a dramatic return, Victor Wembanyama shone brightly with 22 points and 9 rebounds after missing 12 games due to a strained left calf. His performance electrified the crowd, especially when he removed his sweatpants before the second quarter, igniting cheers from Spurs fans.
The Spurs will face the New York Knicks in the final on November 28, 2023, making this an urgent moment for San Antonio as they seek their first title in this competition. Oklahoma City, now with a 24-2 record, suffered its second consecutive loss in Las Vegas, having also fallen to Milwaukee in last year’s final.
Wembanyama, who had a plus-21 rating in just 21 minutes, provided an immediate boost to the Spurs, who went 9-3 during his absence. Teammate Devin Vassell added 23 points, while De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle each contributed 22 points.
Despite the defeat, the Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 29 points, supported by Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, who each scored 17 points.
The game’s momentum shifted dramatically as the Spurs closed the first half with a 13-point run and then surged ahead in the third quarter with a 10-point streak, setting the stage for a nail-biting final period. The Spurs’ victory not only showcases their resilience but also highlights Wembanyama’s significant impact in his return.
Fans will eagerly await the final against the Knicks, as the Spurs aim to capture the title and solidify their place in NBA history. Keep an eye on this developing story as the final approaches!
