The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 122-115 in double overtime on Monday, May 18, 2026, to take Game 1 of the Western Conference finals at Paycom Center. Victor Wembanyama delivered the biggest line of the night, finishing with 41 points, 24 rebounds and 3 blocks as San Antonio earned a 1-0 series lead.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter
The teams opened on even terms, ending the first quarter tied 27-27. Oklahoma City matched San Antonio shot for shot early, and the Thunder kept pace behind strong perimeter production while the Spurs established their presence on the glass.
Second Quarter
San Antonio created the first meaningful separation in the second, outscoring Oklahoma City 24-17. That seven-point edge gave the Spurs a 51-44 halftime lead, with their rebounding advantage and steady free-throw shooting helping them take control of the middle portion of the game.
Third Quarter
Neither side gave ground after halftime. The teams traded a 29-29 third quarter, which allowed San Antonio to carry its seven-point cushion into the fourth at 80-73. Oklahoma City stayed within reach, but the Spurs continued to get extra possessions and timely half-court offense.
Fourth Quarter
The Thunder made their strongest push in the fourth, outscoring the Spurs 28-21 to force overtime. Oklahoma City tightened up defensively and found enough late offense to erase the deficit, sending the home crowd into a playoff-level finish with the score tied at 101-101 after regulation.
Overtime
The first overtime solved nothing. Both teams scored seven points, extending the game again at 108-108. In the second extra period, San Antonio finally created the decisive gap, outscoring Oklahoma City 14-7. The Spurs were sharper in the final possessions, and their execution on the boards and at the foul line carried them through the closing minutes.
Key Performers
Victor Wembanyama, Spurs: 41 points, 24 rebounds and 3 blocks. Wembanyama led all scorers and controlled the interior throughout the night, especially as the game stretched into two overtimes.
Stephon Castle, Spurs: 11 assists. Castle gave San Antonio needed playmaking and helped balance the offense in a game where every late possession mattered.
Alex Caruso, Thunder: 31 points. Caruso turned in Oklahoma City’s top scoring performance and gave the Thunder a major lift on the offensive end.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder: 12 assists. Gilgeous-Alexander orchestrated the offense effectively and helped Oklahoma City rally in the fourth quarter.
Chet Holmgren, Thunder: 8 rebounds. Holmgren helped anchor Oklahoma City’s frontcourt, though the Thunder as a team faced a difficult matchup on the glass.
NerdSports Stat: San Antonio won Game 1 despite making only 13 three-pointers to Oklahoma City’s 17 because the Spurs finished plus-21 on the glass, 61-40, and plus-11 at the free-throw line, 27-16.
Game Analysis
This was a game defined by extra possessions and late-game endurance. Oklahoma City actually made more threes and posted a slightly better percentage from deep, hitting 17 of 45 from beyond the arc compared to San Antonio’s 13 of 43. But the Spurs offset that with major advantages in rebounding and free throws.
San Antonio finished with 61 rebounds to Oklahoma City’s 40, a gap that repeatedly showed up in extended possessions and second-chance opportunities. The Spurs also converted 27 of 29 free throws, an efficient 93.1%, while the Thunder went 16 of 19. In a two-overtime playoff game, that difference was significant.
The Thunder had stretches where their offense looked dynamic, particularly when the ball moved through Gilgeous-Alexander and when Caruso found space as a scorer. Oklahoma City also did enough defensively in the fourth quarter to erase a seven-point deficit entering the period. But over the full night, the Thunder shot 40.6% from the field on 101 attempts, and they could not fully overcome San Antonio’s size and physical presence around the basket.
For the Spurs, Wembanyama set the tone as both a scorer and rebounder, and his production gave San Antonio a dependable option whenever the offense stalled. Castle’s 11 assists added another layer, keeping the Spurs organized deep into the game. In a postseason environment shaped by possession-by-possession execution, San Antonio was steadier in the decisive moments of the second overtime.
The result also fit the pregame storyline of a tightly matched West Finals opener between two elite regular-season teams. Oklahoma City’s 64-18 record and home-court edge showed up in the comeback effort, but San Antonio’s 62-20 profile traveled well. The Spurs handled the opening test on the road and now have early momentum in the series.
Closing Context
With the win, San Antonio takes a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference finals after stealing home court from the Thunder. The Spurs improved their postseason position with a road result in a game that lasted two overtimes, while Oklahoma City heads into Game 2 looking to respond after letting a chance at a home opener slip away.
Frequently Asked Questions
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 122-115 on May 18, 2026.
Victor Wembanyama scored 41 points on 42.7% shooting.
After the win, San Antonio sits 62-20 in the Western Conference.
Victor Wembanyama was the standout performer with 41 points, 24 rebounds and 3 blocks.
