BREAKING: The San Antonio Spurs stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder with a dramatic 111-109 victory on November 25, 2023, propelling them into the NBA Cup final. Victor Wembanyama, returning from a 12-game injury absence, delivered an electrifying performance with 22 points and 9 rebounds, ending the Thunder’s remarkable 16-game winning streak.
This shocking defeat marks just the Thunder’s second loss of the season, now standing at 24-2, trailing only the 25-1 record set by Golden State in the 2015-16 season. The Spurs will face off against the New York Knicks in the highly anticipated final on Tuesday night.
The Thunder, who had not lost since November 5, were looking to continue their dominance in Las Vegas. However, Wembanyama’s return energized the Spurs, igniting the crowd as they rallied from a halftime deficit. His presence was felt immediately, showcased by a remarkable plus-21 rating in just 21 minutes of play.
Wembanyama’s performance drew “M-V-P” chants from the Spurs’ fans, who erupted in cheers as he took the court. His impact was evident, even under a minutes restriction due to his previous calf injury. Teammate Devin Vassell also stepped up with 23 points, while De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle contributed 22 points each.
“It’s a great feeling to be back and help the team win,” Wembanyama said after the game. “We showed resilience and determination tonight.”
Despite the loss, the Thunder showcased their talent, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the team with 29 points. Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams added 17 points each, but it was not enough to overcome the Spurs’ surge.
The game was tightly contested throughout, with the Spurs ending the first half on a 13-point run to take control. In the third quarter, they executed a crucial 10-point run that shifted momentum and set the stage for a nail-biting finish.
As the Spurs prepare for the final showdown against the Knicks, fans are buzzing with excitement. Wembanyama’s return could be a game-changer, and all eyes will be on San Antonio as they aim for the coveted NBA Cup.
This latest victory represents not just a win, but a significant moment for the Spurs franchise as they look to reclaim their place among the NBA elite.
