The San Antonio Spurs outlasted the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 in Game 7 on Saturday, punching their ticket to the NBA Finals.
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While one of the major narratives surrounding this series has been the questionable officiating, the referees let these teams play physical on Saturday.
It was a gritty game of runs in which the Spurs took control first. Solid defense from San Antonio held Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to six points in the opening frame as the Spurs led 32-25 after 12 minutes.
The second quarter was almost the exact opposite. As OKC dominated the offensive glass, the reigning MVP came alive and took over on offense. By halftime, the Spurs’ lead had shrunk to three points.
As both squads played their best defense in the third quarter, neither side created any sort of separation. With a close game headed into the final quarter, San Antonio put up their most impressive frame of the night.
Victor Wembanyama found himself in serious foul trouble down the stretch, but his supporting cast was on the money when it mattered most.
San Antonio quickly jumped out to a double-digit lead with some hot outside shooting, but OKC didn’t let up. Some timely shots kept the Thunder in it, but they still faced a nine-point deficit with two minutes to play.
That’s when Cason Wallace continued his hot shooting night with a huge three that cut the lead to six. As the clock dwindled, both teams exchanged layups before the Thunder had possession with 22 seconds to go.
Both Wallace and Alex Caruso missed crucial three-point heaves before Devin Vassell sealed the win with a fastbreak dunk.
For the Spurs, Wembanyama finished with 22 points and seven rebounds while Julian Champagnie put up 20 points and six rebounds.
Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for OKC with 35 points, nine assists and four rebounds.
The Spurs will now face the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals, with Game 1 set to tip off on Wednesday.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
