NBA: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 3rd-quarter outburst lifts Thunder over Spurs

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 15 of his 34 points in the third quarter to help the Oklahoma City Thunder secure a 119-98 home victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday.

The Spurs were held under 100 points for the first time this season. With the win, the Thunder have now won four consecutive games and eight of their last 10 since a Christmas Day home loss to San Antonio. The Spurs, meanwhile, have lost back-to-back games and six of their last 10 after beating Oklahoma City three times in a 13-day span.

After a closely contested first half, the Thunder took control in the third quarter with an 11-0 run, fueled by Gilgeous-Alexander’s five points and two assists. Following Stephon Castle’s corner 3-pointer that ended the run, Gilgeous-Alexander and Spurs star Victor Wembanyama collided in the lane. Gilgeous-Alexander was called for an offensive foul while passing to Cason Wallace, and Wembanyama fell clutching his right knee. He briefly left the game but soon returned.

San Antonio quickly cut the deficit to four points, but Oklahoma City responded with another decisive run. Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge, finishing a 12-0 spurt with a block on Dylan Harper, a rebound, and a drive to the basket before being fouled. He then ended the quarter with a block on Wembanyama’s alley-oop attempt.

Gilgeous-Alexander finished 11 of 23 from the field with five rebounds, five assists, and a career-high-tying four blocks. Chet Holmgren contributed 10 rebounds and three blocks as the Thunder tied their season-high with 11 total blocks. Jalen Williams added 20 points on 9-of-15 shooting, while Alex Caruso scored 13 off the bench.

Wembanyama went down early in the fourth quarter after landing on Kenrich Williams’ foot but remained in the game. Castle, who had struggled from beyond the arc, led the Spurs with 20 points on 3-of-5 three-point shooting. Wembanyama scored 17 points, and De’Aaron Fox added 14.

—Field Level Media/Reuters