The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs 123-108 on Friday night, taking a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference Finals.
A historic performance from the Thunder bench propelled the team to victory despite an early 15-0 run by the Spurs.
>>> NHL Rivals Eye Golden Knights' Dorofeyev with Offer Sheets
San Antonio opened the game with a dominant first quarter, but Oklahoma City responded to lead 58-51 at halftime.
The Spurs cut the deficit to nine points in the fourth quarter before the Thunder pulled away in the final minutes.
Bench Dominance
The Thunder's reserve players scored 76 points, the highest bench total in franchise history. In contrast, the Spurs' bench contributed only 23 points.
Jared McCain led the Thunder bench with 24 points on 10-of-21 shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also added key points, including a go-ahead three-pointer in the second quarter.
Victor Wembanyama paced the Spurs with 26 points, 11 of which came in the first quarter.
>>> Max Muncy Avoids Wrist Fracture, Dodgers Adjust Lineup
San Antonio tried a dual-center lineup with Wembanyama and Luke Kornet in the second half, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit.
Both teams dealt with injuries.
Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox played through an ankle sprain, while rookie Dylan Harper missed the game with an adductor strain.
The Thunder were without Jalen Williams due to a hamstring injury.
Game 4 of the best-of-seven series is scheduled for Sunday at 8 p. m.
>>> Pochettino Informs USMNT Players of World Cup Roster Selections
Eastern Time in San Antonio.
