Jalen Williams set a new career high with 41 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder outgunned the San Antonio Spurs 146-132 on Sunday night.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 points, helping Oklahoma City (49-11) secure its third straight win while moving within a game of Cleveland (50-10) for the NBA’s best record.
San Antonio (25-34) returned home after a month-long road trip but struggled defensively, allowing the Thunder to shoot 54.5% from the field. Rookie guard Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 32 points in a losing effort.
The game featured a heated moment late in the third quarter when Kenrich Williams and Luguentz Dort of the Thunder, along with San Antonio’s Julian Champagnie, were ejected following a scuffle. Jeremy Sochan, who finished with 17 points, received a technical foul but remained in the game.
Oklahoma City took control in the second half, opening the third quarter on a 13-4 run. San Antonio, which hit 16 three-pointers in the first half, missed all eight of its attempts from beyond the arc in the third.
Isaiah Hartenstein contributed 10 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists for the Thunder. Aaron Wiggins provided a spark off the bench with 17 points, knocking down five three-pointers.
San Antonio had acquired De’Aaron Fox before the trade deadline, but the team has struggled since losing Victor Wembanyama for the season due to a blood clot in his shoulder. Fox finished with 20 points and four assists in the loss.
The Thunder led 72-67 at halftime after a fast-paced first half in which both teams shot over 55%. San Antonio’s early hot shooting kept the game competitive, but Oklahoma City’s second-half adjustments proved decisive.
Williams was unstoppable, making 15 of his 24 field-goal attempts and hitting four three-pointers. He also added six rebounds and seven assists, demonstrating his all-around impact.
Gilgeous-Alexander continued his consistent scoring output, shooting 10-of-19 from the field while also dishing out eight assists. Rookie Cason Wallace contributed 19 points, including four three-pointers, in one of his most efficient performances of the season.
For the Spurs, Castle showcased his scoring ability, shooting 12-of-21 from the floor and hitting four three-pointers. San Antonio’s 18 made threes overall kept them competitive, but defensive breakdowns proved costly.
