Thunder take 3-2 lead in the Western Conference Finals

Isaiah Hartenstein (Jerimaiai1000, Wikimedia Commons)

The Oklahoma City Thunder are one win away from joining the New York Knicks in the 2026 NBA Finals. On Tuesday, the Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs 127-114 from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. With the win, the Thunder took a three games to two lead in the best out of seven Western Conference final.

It is not surprising that NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Toronto, Ontario, Canada led the Thunder in scoring with 32 points. However, what may be surprising is how cold he was in the first quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander did not make a field goal until 31 seconds left in the first quarter when he drained a three-point shot from 25 feet to tie the game at 27.

The Thunder player who deserved high praise for his game six play was center Isaiah Hartenstein of Eugene, Oregon. The German national had the double-double as he had 12 points and 15 rebounds. More importantly, Hartenstein did an excellent job defending Spurs star Victor Wembanyama. Yes, Wembanyama scored 20 points, but that was a series low. More importantly, Wembanyama was a -8, which was the worst plus/minus he has ever had in his NBA career for a postseason game. Wembanyama also struggled from downtown as he missed all five attempts from beyond the arc.

After putting up a goose egg in game four, Alex Caruso was back to his normal self in game five as he scored 22 points off the bench. Two more Thunder players reached double digits in points. All-Star power forward Chet Holmgren of Minneapolis, Minnesota had 16 points, (and had the double-double, as he added 11 rebounds). Shooting guard Jared McCain of Sacramento, California has fit perfectly since being traded from the Philadelphia 76ers in February, as he added 20 points.