The San Antonio Spurs suffocated the Oklahoma City Thunder’s high-octane offense on Sunday night, grabbing a 103-82 Game 4 win to even the Western Conference Finals at two games apiece.
Victor Wembanyama-led San Antonio erased the momentum Oklahoma City built over the previous two matchups, prompting a Los Angeles Lakers legend to take notice.
Magic Johnson Reacts to Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs’ Game 4 Win
Coming off a frustrating Game 3 loss where they surrendered 123 points on their home floor, the Spurs responded in a night highlighted by their defensive dominance.
Wembanyama served as the undeniable engine for San Antonio. He posted 33 points on 11-of-22 shooting and also anchored the paint with 3 blocks and disrupted passing lanes to secure 2 steals.
The Frenchman was also impressive in how he marshaled the Spurs’ defensive rotations, anticipating Oklahoma City’s off-ball actions before they materialized and choking Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s team.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson praised San Antonio’s performance at the Frost Bank Center. Following the final buzzer, the Lakers legend highlighted the team’s resilience and their 22-year-old centerpiece.
“The San Antonio Spurs were outstanding on defense tonight, holding NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to 19 points in their victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder,” Johnson stated.
“Victor Wembanyama dominated the game with 33 points, but what really impressed me was his leadership and how he communicated with his teammates throughout the entire game.”
For Gilgeous-Alexander, this was a quiet night as OKC failed to get its offense going. The reigning MVP finished with 19 points on an inefficient 6-of-15 from the floor, registering 4 rebounds and 7 assists.
Johnson also credited the Game 4 turnaround to Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson.
According to the Lakers legend, San Antonio’s head coach was crucial in making structural adjustments to contain OKC.
“I also have to show some love and credit to Spurs’ Head Coach Mitch Johnson, who had a great game plan and made major adjustments from Game 3 to Game 4,” Johnson added. “The Series is now tied 2-2 and I can’t wait for Game 5 on Tuesday!”
San Antonio also neutralized Oklahoma City’s secondary scorers. Chet Holmgren struggled to find a rhythm, managing just 10 points on 3-of-8 shooting while turning the ball over 3 times.
Isaiah Hartenstein added 12 points, but no other Thunder player crossed the 11-point mark.
The series now shifts back to the Paycom Center for Game 5 on Tuesday night. Oklahoma City will need to counter San Antonio’s defensive schemes to regain the momentum and the series lead.
