33-33 was the scoring stalemate in the final quarter, as both teams tied the other in the rebounding column. OKC's bench devoured the Spurs 38-13, but OKC missed five free throws. To the Spurs' benefit, they did shoot 53% within striking distance of OKC's 55% for the game, hitting a trio more of three-pointers that proved to be the difference tonight.
Terrence Ross (19 points, 8 assists, 4-4 3PT) hit a 3PTer at the buzzer, but the game was already over, as Dejounte Murray iced free throws at the line as part of his 30 points, 6 assists, 7 steals (a new career-high mark) stat line. In the win, Brandon Ingram had 35 points, 6 rebounds & 7 assists of his own, hitting on a stellar 15-26 shots from the field. Fred VanVleet came to life at the best time, burying six threes for 22 points & 6 assists to go with 2 steals. Andre Drummond had 12 points, 22 rebounds.
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 13 points & 10 assists. Precious Achiuwa had 22 points.
The second go-around in this MLB-style series also went to the Spurs, but not after another late rally by the Thunder once the Spurs had seized a strong lead due to Andre Drummond (29 points, 17 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 blocks). Brandon Ingram had 18 points, with Kent Bazemore showing promise with 14 points. Fred VanVleet dished 9 assists and nabbed 5 impressive steals. Evan Fournier had 13 points. The Spurs held a scoring edge all game long, winning the 1st Quarter by 27-20, the second by 20-17 before OKC dead-evened the 3rd Quarter before a 34-27 run in the 4th, albeit too late. Achiuwa led OKC with 23 points & 8 rebounds. Jakob Poetl had a strong 19 points, 19 rebounds. Gilgeous-Alexander had a rough showing, though, going 2-10 with 9 awful turnovers.
