Thunder take control of West Finals with Game 5 win over Spurs

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Thunder take control of West Finals with Game 5 win over Spurs image

Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images

By Rafael Bandayrel

The Oklahoma City Thunder regained control of the Western Conference Finals after defeating the San Antonio Spurs, 127-114, in Game 5 on Wednesday morning (PH time) in Oklahoma City.

Facing a pivotal swing game, the defending champions came out aggressive and built a double-digit lead before halftime behind another masterful performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The reigning MVP finished with 32 points, nine assists, two rebounds, and two steals as Oklahoma City found its offensive rhythm early.

San Antonio attempted one final rally in the fourth quarter, trimming the deficit to just nine points with a little over seven minutes remaining. But Jared McCain buried a clutch three-pointer to halt the momentum and keep the Spurs at arm’s length the rest of the way.

Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images

Alex Caruso added 22 points and six assists, while Chet Holmgren posted 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Oklahoma City also received strong production from key role players McCain and Isaiah Hartenstein. Hartenstein recorded a 12-point, 15-rebound double-double, while McCain chipped in 20 points off the bench.

The Spurs struggled offensively throughout the night, shooting just 40.2 percent from the field and 29.3 percent from beyond the arc.

Now holding a 3-2 series lead, the Thunder moved within one win of returning to the NBA Finals. Meanwhile, the young Spurs will try to force a decisive Game 7 when the series shifts back to San Antonio on Friday.

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