The San Antonio Spurs ended their five-game losing streak with a 132-118 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night. The Spurs were led by rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama, who had 28 points and 12 rebounds. Wembanyama also made some clutch plays in the final minutes, hitting back-to-back 3-pointers and blocking a shot by fellow rookie Chet Holmgren.
The Spurs improved to 12-48, while the Thunder dropped to 41-18, falling a game behind the Minnesota Timberwolves for the top spot in the Western Conference. The Thunder had won their previous four games, but could not contain the Spurs’ offense, which shot 54.5% from the field and 45.5% from beyond the arc.
Wembanyama and Holmgren put on a show in rookie duel
The game featured a matchup between two of the leading candidates for the Rookie of the Year award: Wembanyama and Holmgren. Both players are 7-footers with versatile skills and high potential. Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick from France, has been averaging 19.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game. Holmgren, the No. 2 pick from Gonzaga, has been averaging 18.2 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.
The two rookies wasted no time in going at each other, trading baskets and blocks in the first quarter. Wembanyama scored the first points of the game with a spin move and a layup over Holmgren. Holmgren responded with a 3-pointer over Wembanyama. The two continued to exchange blows throughout the game, with Wembanyama getting the upper hand in the fourth quarter. Wembanyama scored 10 of his 28 points in the final period, while Holmgren was held to four of his 23 points.
Vassell and Sochan provide support for Wembanyama
Wembanyama was not the only Spurs player who had a big night. Devin Vassell also scored 28 points, tying his career-high. Vassell made six 3-pointers and added six rebounds and four assists. Jeremy Sochan, who had zero points in the previous game, bounced back with 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting. Julian Champagnie chipped in with 15 points and seven rebounds.
The Spurs had a balanced attack, with six players scoring in double figures. They also had 32 assists on 48 made field goals, showing good ball movement and teamwork. The Spurs outscored the Thunder 66-52 in the paint and 42-27 from the 3-point line.
Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder with 31 points
The Thunder were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had 31 points and seven assists. Gilgeous-Alexander was the only Thunder player who scored more than 25 points, as the rest of the team struggled to find their rhythm. Jalen Williams had 23 points, but shot 8-of-21 from the field. Holmgren had 23 points and nine rebounds, but also had five turnovers and four fouls.
The Thunder shot 44.9% from the field and 31.8% from beyond the arc. They also committed 18 turnovers, which led to 24 points for the Spurs. The Thunder trailed by as many as 22 points in the fourth quarter, and could not mount a comeback.
