San Antonio Spurs’ Keldon Johnson (0) and Charles Bassey rejoice a basket through the first half of their Emirates NBA Cup basketball recreation towards the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photograph/Darren Abate)
SAN ANTONIO — Keldon Johnson scored 22 factors, Harrison Barnes added 20 and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder 110-104 Tuesday evening with out Victor Wembanyama for his or her first victory within the Emirates NBA Cup.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 32 factors and Jalen Williams added 27 factors for Oklahoma Metropolis.
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The Thunder closed the sport on a 27-12 run however have been unable to attain within the closing minute.
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STEPH. CASTLE. 😤 pic.twitter.com/zyseLEH3rD
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) November 20, 2024
Spurs rookie Stephon Fort, who had 10 factors and eight assists, blocked Gilgeous-Alexander’s layup with 22 seconds remaining and the Spurs main 110-104.
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San Antonio’s Chris Paul added 14 factors and 11 assists with the veteran level guard tossing in a 3-pointer because the shot clock was expiring to provide the Spurs a 107-98 lead with 1:27 remaining.
Wembanyama and Devin Vassell missed their second straight recreation with leg accidents. Wembanyama is recovering from a bruised knee and Vassell has a sore left knee.
Oklahoma Metropolis was with out Chet Holmgren, who is anticipated to overlook two months with a fractured hip.
Takeaways
Thunder: After forcing 13 turnovers within the first half, Oklahoma Metropolis was solely ready so as to add seven extra within the second half.
Spurs: Barnes was 3 for 7 on 3-pointers in scoring a season excessive.
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Key second
Johnson threw down a one-handed dunk with 1:46 remaining within the first half after a crossover despatched his defender tumbling to the court docket. With the world buzzing in anticipation 30 seconds later, Johnson reset his toes and drained a 3-pointer to provide the Spurs a 58-57 lead. It was a part of a 25-3 run spanning the seocnd and third quarters that gave the Spurs a 74-58 lead three minutes into the second half.
Key stat
San Antonio had misplaced its first 5 video games within the NBA Cup.
Up subsequent
Thunder: Host Portland on Wednesday.
Spurs: Host Utah on Thursday within the second of a three-game homestand.