Wembanyama scores 41 as Spurs upset Thunder in Game 1 thriller

"Victor Wembanyama outduelled Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to lead the San Antonio Spurs to an epic 122-115 double-overtime triumph over the Oklahoma City Thunder in game one of the NBA Western Conference finals. Wembanyama scored 41 points and pulled down 24 rebounds in the thrilling game on Monday. He forced the second overtime with a dazzling three-pointer and delivered nine of the Spurs' 14 points in the second overtime as San Antonio handed the defending champions their first defeat of these playoffs."

"It was, like, sheer willpower, 22-year-old Wembanyama told broadcaster NBC after the game. The French star played 49 minutes, producing a pair of dunks and a crucial block late in the second overtime to seal the victory. With the triumph at Oklahoma City's Paycom Center, the Spurs stole home-court advantage in the best-of-seven series that will send the winners to the NBA Finals."

"Wembanyama admitted the sight of Thunder star Gilgeous-Alexander receiving his second straight Most Valuable Player trophy before the game made the clash more personal for sure. He earned Defensive Player of the Year honours but finished third in the MVP voting announced on Sunday. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said the sight of Gilgeous-Alexander lifting the MVP award 100 percent motivated his star. He's competitive, Johnson said."

"Wembanyama said the main message of the night was that the young Spurs are ready to go in any environment, in any place, against anybody. And even though we've still got a lot to learn, our effort should be over anybody else's and tonight we were relentless. Rookie Dylan Harper, starting in place of injured De'Aaron Fox, scored 24 points and snagged seven steals for San Antonio"

Victor Wembanyama powered the San Antonio Spurs to a 122-115 double-overtime victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. Wembanyama scored 41 points and grabbed 24 rebounds, forcing the second overtime with a three-pointer and scoring nine of the Spurs’ 14 points in that extra period. He played 49 minutes, added two dunks and a crucial late block, and helped deliver San Antonio’s first defeat of the playoffs for the defending champions. The Spurs stole home-court advantage at Paycom Center. Stephon Castle and Wembanyama celebrated after the game. Dylan Harper, starting for injured De’Aaron Fox, scored 24 points and recorded seven steals.

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