Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points and dished nine assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs 127-114 in Western Conference Finals Game 5 on May 27, seizing a 3-2 series lead. The victory at home shifted momentum toward OKC with a potential closeout opportunity looming in San Antonio.
Gilgeous-Alexander controlled pace and spacing throughout, attacking closeouts and finding open teammates when San Antonio collapsed on drives. The Thunder built separation in transition and half-court sets that exploited mismatches created by his pick-and-roll mastery.
San Antonio entered Game 5 needing a road win to avoid falling behind in a best-of-seven series that had alternated home-court advantages. The Spurs still possessed paths to force a Game 7, but the loss placed pressure on their defensive schemes against OKC’s primary creator.
Coaches on both sides adjusted rotations after earlier games exposed fatigue and matchup vulnerabilities. Oklahoma City’s bench contributions supplemented Gilgeous-Alexander’s star turn, keeping offensive efficiency high even when starters rested.
Game 6 was scheduled for Thursday, May 28, in San Antonio, where the Spurs would need a win to extend the series. The Thunder aimed to capitalize on the lead they earned through disciplined team basketball anchored by their All-NBA guard.
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Sources:
https://www.nba.com/news/live-updates-2026-nba-playoffs-western-conference-finals-spurs-thunder-meet-in-pivotal-game-5