By: Jennifer Portee
5/27/2026
In a dominate Game 5, the Thunder handled the San Antonio Spurs 127–114, taking a 3–2 lead in the Western Conference Finals and putting themselves just one win away from a return to the NBA Finals.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again set the tone with 32 points, but what made this performance stand out was the role players who stepped up and made big-time contributions.
With key contributors were rookie Jared McCain who had his first playoff start, dropping 20 points and showing no hesitation under pressure. Alex Caruso delivered a veteran spark off the bench with 22 points, reinforcing Oklahoma City’s reputation as one of the deepest and most adaptable teams in the postseason.
Inside, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein controlled the paint. Holmgren had 16 points with 11 rebounds, while Hartenstein added 12-points, 15-rebounds effort that helped limit San Antonio’s second chances.
The game’s turning point came in the second quarter, where Oklahoma City exploded for 40 points. The pace intensified, whistles followed, and both teams lived at the free-throw line. Still, it was the Thunder who capitalized most effectively, building a lead they would not relinquish.
San Antonio showed some signs of coming back. Stephon Castle led with 24 points, while Julian Champagnie and Victor Wembanyama combined for 42. However, Wembanyama struggled with efficiency, and the Spurs’ perimeter shooting faltered significantly, missing the majority of their attempts from deep.
Frustration also came late in the third quarter after a couple of missed calls went against San Antonio, disrupting their momentum during a critical run. They made a quick push to cut the lead, but Oklahoma City stayed calm and in control going into the fourth.
Now, Game 6 goes back to San Antonio. The Spurs face elimination, while Oklahoma City carries momentum and a clear opportunity to close the series.
Waiting on the other side are the New York Knicks, already preparing for the Finals. Whether the Thunder can finish the job on the road or force a decisive Game 7 back home remains to be seen but one thing is clear: Oklahoma City is playing like a team that believes it belongs at the top.