Thunder bench lifts OKC past Spurs in Game3
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San Antonio — The Oklahoma City Thunder rallied from an early 15-0 Spurs run and held off San Antonio to win 123-108 in Game 3, taking a 2-1 series lead. After coach Mark Daigneault called timeout late in the fourth, Jared McCain hit an 11-foot jumper and Jaylin Williams completed a four-point play that restored a 15-point cushion. The Thunder starters scored just 47 points, but the reserves outscored San Antonio's bench 76-23; McCain had a playoff-career-high 24, Williams 18, Alex Caruso 15 and Cason Wallace 11.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 26 points and 12 assists, impacting the game increasingly with his passing despite 6-for-17 shooting and a scoreless first quarter. Oklahoma City also limited Victor Wembanyama's interior production — he had 26 points but just 10 paint points for the second straight game and four rebounds — using defenders such as Isaiah Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams. Jalen Williams was ruled out with a left hamstring reinjury, and San Antonio's De'Aaron Fox returned with 15 points, seven assists and six rebounds while the Spurs cut turnovers to 15.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Spurs opened Game 3 with a 15-0 run in San Antonio.
- 2. Thunder trailed by 15 early but gradually reduced the deficit.
- 3. Key bench contributions from OKC shifted control in the fourth quarter.
- 4. Thunder won Game 3, 123-108, securing a 2-1 series lead.
- 5. Teams scheduled Game 4 for Sunday with expected tactical adjustments.
Why it matters
If you're a Thunder fan, this game was a testament to the team's depth and resilience. The bench players stepped up, turning the tide in a crucial playoff game. For sports enthusiasts, it's a reminder that every player counts in a team sport. Keep an eye on the bench in future games.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
