SAN ANTONIO — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 32 factors and the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their season with a 116-104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, the staff that ended their desires of a title protection last season.
San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama had 12 factors but was 1 for 13 from the area. It was his fewest area objectives since going 2 for 5 against Minnesota on May 10. Wembanyama’s lone area aim came on an alley-oop cross from De’Aaron Fox as time expired in the third quarter.
Wembanyama missed his first 12 photographs, including having an alley-oop attempt blocked by 7-foot-3 rookie Aday Mara.
Jared McCain added 20 factors on 6-for-8 capturing on 3-pointers as Oklahoma City led for all but the opening 5 minutes of the recreation.
The Spurs beat the Thunder 111-103 in Oklahoma City in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals on May 30 in their earlier matchup.
Nearly 5 months aside did not cool this heated rivalry.
Three minutes into the second quarter Fox obtained a Flagrant Foul 1 for tossing Chet Holmgren to the court after they turned entangled in the paint.
The physique slam led to a large scrum with Wembanyama and Jaylin Williams having to be separated after pushing each other. Wembanyama, Williams, Jalen Williams and Kenrich Williams each obtained a technical for the mud up.
Oklahoma City went on a 9-0 run after the scuffle with Jalen and Kenrich Williams accounting for 5 factors. Harrison Barnes’ 3-pointer ended the run, but the Thunder responded by scoring 13 straight capped by Cason Wallace’s 3-pointer for a 59-33 lead.
Oklahoma City outscored San Antonio 31-16 in the second quarter in taking a 65-44 lead at the half.
The Spurs opened the second half on a 23-9 run to pull within single digits after trailing by 26 in the first half.
Gilgeous-Alexander and McCain stepped up when San Antonio pulled close, combining for 25 factors in the second half.
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