Thunder overcome poor start, stun Spurs in Game 3 to grab 2-1 series lead

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Thunder overcome poor start, stun Spurs in Game 3 to grab 2-1 series lead image

Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images

By Joel Reyes

The Oklahoma City Thunder reminded everyone why they are the defending NBA champions, overcoming a poor start to beat the San Antonio Spurs 123-108 in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals on Saturday (PH time) at Frost Bank Center.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for OKC, scoring 26 points and issuing 12 assists. Jared McCain added 24 points off the bench for the Thunder, who grabbed a 2-1 series lead over the Spurs.

Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images

Playing their first West Finals home game in almost a decade, the Spurs came out firing, building a 15-0 lead in the first three minutes of the contest.

The Thunder didn't panic, though, as they slowly chipped away at the Spurs' lead. OKC finished the first quarter on a 26-16 run to cut San Antonio's advantage to five points.

The Thunder then took control in the middle quarters to regain homecourt advantage in the best-of-seven series.

OKC outscored San Antonio 32-20 in the second quarter to grab a 58-51 lead at the half. The Thunder continued to pile on the pressure in the third quarter, outscoring the Spurs 37-33 to extend their lead to 11 points.

The Thunder never looked back after that as they improved their record in this year's playoffs to 10-1.

Victor Wembanyama powered San Antonio's offense, scoring a team-high 26 points in a losing effort. Devin Vassell scored 20 points, while De'Aaron Fox added 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in his return to the lineup.

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