Written by Rhea Alison, Sports reporter, covering international sports since 2020.
The Spurs vs Thunder Western Conference finals series took another dramatic turn on Monday as the San Antonio Spurs crushed the Oklahoma City Thunder 103-82 in Game 4 to level the series at 2-2. Victor Wembanyama starred in front of a loud home crowd in San Antonio, producing 33 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three blocks in one of his strongest playoff performances yet. The result mattered because the defending champions suddenly lost momentum heading into a critical Game 5 in Oklahoma City.
Wembanyama responds after Game 3 criticism
After the Thunder dominated Game 3, Wembanyama admitted he needed to improve. He delivered exactly that in Game 4. The French star attacked early, protected the rim and lifted the Spurs’ energy from the opening minutes.
“The truth is that we had never been in this kind of situation before,” Wembanyama said.
“It was our first deficit in a playoff series and we just responded. It was nothing amazing. It wasn't magic. We just did what we needed to do.
“The series is far from over ... We've got six more wins before we can rest.”
The crowd inside the arena erupted during a huge first-quarter run when Devin Vassell threw an alley-oop pass that Wembanyama slammed home. From that moment, the Thunder struggled to recover.
Spurs defense shuts down Oklahoma City
San Antonio’s defense changed the game completely. The Spurs held Oklahoma City to just 33 per cent shooting and limited them to six three-pointers from 33 attempts.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 19 points but never looked fully comfortable. Every drive toward the basket was met by heavy pressure and Wembanyama’s presence near the rim.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault admitted his side simply lacked rhythm.
“We've played 12 playoff games. When you play 12 playoff games, they're not all going to be masterpieces,” Daigneault said.
“As much as you want to win, there's nights where you just don't have it for whatever reason.”
San Antonio’s bench also bounced back strongly after being outplayed in Game 3. The Spurs reserves contributed key minutes that helped maintain the lead throughout the second half.
What comes next in the Western Conference finals?
The series now shifts back to Oklahoma City for Game 5, with both teams only two wins away from reaching the NBA Finals. Momentum has swung quickly throughout the matchup, and the next game could decide who gains control heading into the closing stretch.
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