The San Antonio Spurs etched their name into the history books, as Spurs dethrone the Thunder with a thrilling 110-104 win to claim their inaugural Emirates NBA Cup title. Despite missing their towering star Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs showcased grit, determination, and undeniable flair in this electrifying showdown.
Victor Who? Spurs Dethrone Thunder to Win NBA Cup Without Their Star!
The Thunder, led by a sensational 32-point performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, refused to go down without a fight. Jalen Williams added 27 points to the mix, but even a fiery 27-12 run in the final moments couldn’t tip the scales in their favor. With just 22 seconds left and the Spurs clinging to a 110-104 lead, rookie Stephon Castle delivered the game’s defining moment. His emphatic block on Gilgeous-Alexander’s layup attempt sealed the deal, leaving Thunder fans heartbroken.
San Antonio’s Keldon Johnson led the charge with 22 points, including a jaw-dropping one-handed dunk that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Veteran Chris Paul proved age is just a number, contributing 14 points and 11 assists. His clutch three-pointer with the shot clock expiring gave the Spurs an unassailable nine-point lead in the game’s final stretch.
Harrison Barnes also emerged as a hero, sinking three critical 3-pointers to notch a season-high 20 points. His efforts were part of a stunning 25-3 run that flipped the game on its head, propelling the Spurs from a narrow deficit to a commanding 74-58 advantage early in the second half.
Both teams were hampered by injuries. Wembanyama and Devin Vassell sat out their second consecutive game with knee issues, while the Thunder missed rookie sensation Chet Holmgren, sidelined for two months with a fractured hip. Yet, the Spurs’ resilience and tactical mastery proved too much for Oklahoma City’s high-octane offense.
The Thunder’s defense faltered after a promising start, forcing 13 turnovers in the first half but only seven in the second. Meanwhile, the Spurs capitalized on their momentum, using precision plays and unwavering focus to outlast their rivals.
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