NBA: In pivotal Game 5, Thunder aim to be early aggressor vs. Spurs

The Western Conference finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder are tied at 2-2 as the series heads into a pivotal Game 5 on Tuesday in Oklahoma City.

The Spurs have established early control in each of the past two games, forcing the Thunder to play from behind. Oklahoma City star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander admitted the Thunder must improve their starts after Sunday’s 103-82 loss in San Antonio.

“They just punched us in our face early,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “It’s two games in a row they’ve come out as the aggressors. We’ve got to do a better job of starting the games.”

San Antonio raced to a 23-8 advantage in Game 4 after opening Game 3 with the first 15 points before Oklahoma City rallied to win that contest 123-108.

The series has featured intense defensive battles, with the Thunder using multiple defenders against Spurs star Victor Wembanyama while San Antonio adjusted its coverage on Gilgeous-Alexander.

The Spurs shifted to more one-on-one defensive looks in Game 4, limiting Oklahoma City’s opportunities from beyond the arc. The Thunder finished just 6-for-33 from 3-point range after shooting nearly 40 percent from deep across the first three games.

“I think we made a great defensive adjustment,” Spurs guard Devin Vassell said. “They had so many wide-open 3s over the past couple games, and we were trying to take those away.”

Although the defensive change allowed Gilgeous-Alexander more space offensively, it helped San Antonio contain Oklahoma City’s bench production for most of the game. The Thunder reserves still outscored the Spurs’ bench 34-30, but many of those points came late in the fourth quarter after the outcome had largely been decided.

Oklahoma City is also dealing with injuries to key guards Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell. Williams has missed the past two games because of a hamstring injury, while Mitchell is recovering from a right calf strain suffered in Game 3. Both players are considered day-to-day, according to ESPN.

Mitchell averaged nearly 19 points per game during the first two playoff rounds while filling in for Williams as a starter. However, he averaged only 5.3 points in the conference finals before his injury.

Meanwhile, San Antonio’s backcourt continues to play efficiently. Guards Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox combined for 25 points and 11 assists in Game 4 while committing just one turnover.

With momentum shifting throughout the series, both teams enter Game 5 looking to gain control in what has become a highly competitive matchup for a place in the NBA Finals. -Field Level Media/Reuters