The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs 122-113 in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City.
The win leveled the best-of-seven series at 1-1 after the Thunder dropped the opening match.
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Gilgeous-Alexander Leads the Way
MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recorded 30 points, nine assists, four rebounds, and only one turnover.
He shot 12-of-24 from the field and 6-of-6 from the free-throw line.
Hartenstein's Physical Presence
Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein provided defensive physicality against San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama.
He held the rookie to 21 points, 17 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks, while forcing him into four turnovers.
Hartenstein also contributed offensively, registering 10 points and 13 rebounds, including eight on the offensive glass, across 27 minutes.
"I'm just kind of one of those players that brings physicality to the game," said Hartenstein.
Turnovers and Injuries
The defensive pressure from Oklahoma City forced San Antonio into 21 turnovers.
Rookie guard Stephon Castle committed nine of them, leading to 13 points for the Thunder.
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Injury issues affected both rosters during the matchup.
San Antonio guard Dylan Harper left in the third quarter with a right leg injury after scoring 12 points.
Guard De'Aaron Fox missed his second consecutive game due to a right ankle injury.
"He wouldn't be playing with in the regular season," said Spurs coach Mitch Johnson.
Oklahoma City forward Jalen Williams exited in the first quarter due to a hamstring injury and did not return.
Teammate Ajay Mitchell required medical attention after sustaining an upper leg injury late in the fourth quarter.
Bench Dominance
The bench units heavily favored Oklahoma City, outscoring San Antonio's reserves 57-25.
Double-digit scoring efforts came from Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, and Jared McCain.
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Game 3 of the Western Conference finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder is scheduled to take place in San Antonio.
