The Thunder rolled past the Spurs 146-132, but a third-quarter scuffle stole the spotlight.
Despite a strong first half from the Spurs, the Thunder dominated the second half to clinch their third consecutive win.
Jalen Williams delivered a standout performance with a career-high 41 points, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 points and eight assists.
However, the most intense moment of the game was a heated third-quarter scuffle that led to three players being ejected and both teams scrambling to restore order.
Tensions Escalate in the Third Quarter
The game took a contentious turn late in the third quarter when an altercation led to multiple ejections.
With just over three minutes remaining, Spurs forward Julian Champagnie made a pass that resulted in his elbow striking Thunder’s Kenrich Williams in the face.
The incident quickly escalated into a shoving match near midcourt, involving players from both teams.
As a result, the officials ejected Champagnie, Williams, and Thunder’s Luguentz Dort, while Spurs’ Jeremy Sochan received a technical foul but remained in the game.
Thunder Take Control as Spurs Falter
Despite multiple ejections, the Thunder came out of halftime locked in, outscoring the Spurs 36-23 in the third quarter to erase a five-point deficit and take control. Cason Wallace (19 points) and Aaron Wiggins (17 points) provided key support as OKC pulled away.
Meanwhile, rookie Stephon Castle shined for San Antonio with 32 points off the bench, boosting his Rookie of the Year case.
However, the Spurs’ defense struggled in the second half which lead to their fifth loss in six games.
Postgame Reflections and Outlook
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged his team’s frustration regarding officiating, noting a cumulative effect when calls seem unfavorable.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining composure to avoid losing key players in critical games.
Looking ahead, the Thunder aim to extend their winning streak as they return home to face the Houston Rockets on March 3.
