Oklahoma City took a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference finals with a 127-114 victory in Game 5, using defensive adjustments and unexpected scoring to blunt San Antonio’s edge, according to the report. The Thunder’s point total was the most they scored against the Spurs in 10 meetings this season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had warned after a December loss that the Thunder could not afford to fall to San Antonio repeatedly, saying, “You don’t lose to a team three times in a row in a short span without them being better than you.” The Spurs had won four of five regular-season meetings, including the NBA Cup semifinals with Victor Wembanyama back in the lineup.
With Jalen Williams sidelined by a hamstring injury and Gilgeous-Alexander struggling for efficient scoring at times, Oklahoma City turned to role players. Coach Mark Daigneault’s most notable move was increasing guard Alex Caruso’s minutes. Caruso, 32, logged more playing time than during much of the regular season, when he averaged 20.6 minutes and rarely exceeded 25 minutes in regulation games.
Caruso’s production rose sharply in the series, averaging 17 points in 24.7 minutes and shooting 58.1% from three-point range against San Antonio. The nine-year veteran also supplied his typical defensive intensity; the Thunder are plus-45 with Caruso on the floor and minus-36 with him off it, the report said.
Daigneault also made match-up adjustments to limit the Spurs’ star. Wembanyama, who has posted several standout playoff performances, was held to 20 points on 4-for-15 shooting in Game 5. Oklahoma City’s adjustments helped contain his impact in the wins, allowing the Thunder to reclaim control of the series.
Caruso’s combination of perimeter shooting, defense and veteran presence has become a defining factor in Oklahoma City’s response to San Antonio’s earlier dominance, the report added. The Thunder now travel to San Antonio with a chance to close out the series in Game 6.
