Wemby Dominates for Spurs in 2OT Win vs. SGA, Thunder as Fans Hype WCF Game 1 Thriller

For most of the regular season, a meeting between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals seemed inevitable.

The first clash between the two teams on Monday lived up to the hype.

The Spurs beat the Thunder 122-115 in Game 1 after a double-overtime thriller that included a number of moments that will be remembered for years to come.

What will be remembered most of all is the performance of Victor Wembanyama, who reminded fans once again why he's been designated as the next all-time great. The 22-year-old, who is playing in his first playoffs, posted 41 points and 24 rebounds, becoming the first player since 1993 to have 35-plus points and 20-plus rebounds.

Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was named MVP on Sunday, struggled for most of the night, but finished with 24 points and 12 assists. That wasn't enough to beat fellow MVP candidate Wembanyama and the Spurs.

If Game 1 is a sign of what's to come, this year's Western Conference Finals could be an all-time series. That seems to be the consensus among fans.

The Spurs were in control for most of the fourth quarter, but Oklahoma City came storming back and Gilgeous-Alexander hit the game-tying bucket with just seconds remaining.

Chet Holmgren then delivered a clutch block against Wembanyama to send things to overtime.

Some back and forth in overtime saw OKC take a three-point lead with half a minute to play, but Wembanyama drilled a three that most 22-year-olds wouldn't dare take in such a big moment.

Wembanyama took control in the second overtime to put the game away.

Wembanyama's performance rightfully stole the show, but he wasn't the only one who had a career night.

Alex Caruso was the MVP for the Thunder as he had 31 points, two steals and two boards while guarding Wembanyama for much of the night. Jalen Williams, in his return from injury, posted 26 points.

On the Spurs side, the rookie Dylan Harper had 24 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and seven steals. Stephon Castle added 17 points and 11 assists.

The Thunder are the defending champs and still seem capable of winning another title, but the Spurs proved Monday that their young squad is ready to compete for a championship now.

Whoever comes out on top is clearly going to have to win a hard-fought battle.