Thunder Hold Off Spurs for 116-104 Season-Opening Win

The Oklahoma City Thunder opened their season with a 116-104 road victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, October 20, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game-high 32 points. Oklahoma City built a 65-44 halftime lead and held on after San Antonio cut the margin to seven points in the second half. The result came in the teams’ first meeting since San Antonio beat the Thunder in Game 7 of last season’s Western Conference finals. Gilgeous-Alexander added six rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks. Jared McCain provided 20 points, making six three-pointers, while Chet Holmgren scored 14 for Oklahoma City. The Thunder led 34-28 after the first quarter and expanded the advantage to as many as 26 points before the break. San Antonio mounted its strongest push to open the third quarter, narrowing the deficit to seven. Oklahoma City steadied the game and entered the fourth quarter ahead 93-80. The Spurs again got within seven late, but the Thunder made enough plays to preserve the 12-point win. Victor Wembanyama finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks. He made one of 13 shots from the field, with his only basket coming on a lob near the end of the...