San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama was absolutely on fire on Sunday night, scoring 33 points as the Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 103-82 to even the Western Conference Finals 2-2.
While the Spurs were getting a great game from their center, their defensive efforts kept Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in check.
Spurs’ Defensive Effort Against Thunder Draws Rave Reviews
San Antonio managed to tie the series with another impressive night from Wembanyama, who recorded 33 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks. In comparison, Thunder star Gilgeous-Alexander had a quiet night, finishing with 19 points and 7 assists.
After the game, the reactions to the Spurs’ bounce-back win on Sunday night were hot and heavy.
Hoop Central’s account on X shared a big breakdown of what Wembanyama did on the court.
VICTOR WEMBANYAMA TONIGHT:
33 POINTS
8 REBOUNDS
5 ASSISTS
3 BLOCKS
2 STEALS
11/22 FGM
+29 +/-
31 MINUTESUNSTOPPABLE
🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/0v8d5Kvktw
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 25, 2026
Kevin O’Connor, Yahoo Sports podcaster, writer, and host of “The Kevin O’Connor Show,” actually shared a clip from the Spurs-Thunder game.
O’Connor was impressed by the Spurs’ defensive effort and wrote, “Spurs defense was immaculate tonight.”
Spurs defense was immaculate tonight. pic.twitter.com/IiNfzJEJS8
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) May 25, 2026
Wembanyama even earned high praise from NBA champion Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who shared his thoughts on Wembanyama’s play.
“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 wrote.
“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,” Johnson continued.
“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 wrote. “The Series is now tied 2-2 and I can’t wait for Game 5 on Tuesday!”
Former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III also had some opinions after seeing the Spurs manhandle the Thunder.
“When Wemby leads the charge and plays that aggressively, the San Antonio Spurs are tough to beat even for OKC,” Griffin posted on X.
Damien Peters, senior NBA writer and analyst for Basketball Network, took note of the Spurs’ strong defense against the Thunder. Peters posted on X, “The defensive intensity the Spurs played with tonight is one of the best I can remember in the modern era.”
Spurs play-by-play announcer Dan Weiss mentioned how the Spurs held the Thunder’s high-powered offense in check.
“Spurs hold the Thunder to 82 points, fewest they’ve scored in the regular season or playoff since Dec. 2, 2021.”
Spurs hold the Thunder to 82 points, fewest they’ve scored in the regular season or playoff since Dec. 2, 2021.
— Dan Weiss (@DanWeissPBP) May 25, 2026
The Thunder’s lack of offense even drew some criticism from Joe Mussatto, sports columnist for The Oklahoman. Mussatto posted on X, “Fewest points (82) the Thunder has scored in a playoff game since Game 5 against the Rockets in the bubble. Sixth-lowest total in Thunder playoff history.”
Fewest points (82) the Thunder has scored in a playoff game since Game 5 against the Rockets in the bubble. Sixth-lowest total in Thunder playoff history.
— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) May 25, 2026
The Thunder also got plenty of criticism for not getting much offense going outside of Gilgeous-Alexander.
Injuries to Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell, which kept them out of Sunday night’s Game 4, ended up putting additional pressure on Gilgeous-Alexander to pick up his game.
That, though, didn’t happen.
One user posted on X, “These injuries are going to make it tough for the Thunder to win this series. Not enough shot creation outside of Shai that can keep the Spurs defense in guess mode. They know most of OKC points are coming from three.”
Another influencer also took a pointed dig at the reigning champions, writing, “Soon as the Refs stoped calling flops OKC goes straight to being a** lmfaooo.”
Soon as the Refs stoped calling flops OKC goes straight to being ass lmfaooo pic.twitter.com/z9Oc2ix8AB
— LeBron__legacy 👑 🐐 (@LeBron__legacy) May 25, 2026
Another user claimed how the Thunder were getting calls from referees in their favor, “Game looks different when the refs can’t save you. And we don’t foul you. No more double teams. No more free 3’s. No more turnovers. Just Good Bump!!”
Game looks different when the refs can’t save you. And we don’t foul you.
No more double teams. No more free 3’s.
No more turnovers. Just Good Bump!! pic.twitter.com/ii4kEKtoMy— Dr. Rashad McCants Ph.D Psy.D (@SoundbiteKing) May 25, 2026
Gilgeous-Alexander also caught some heat from a user who claimed that Wembanyama is better than the MVP.
“Wemby is so much better than SGA man like are people on here trolling no way anyone actually thinks otherwise,” they posted.
Ryan Rueda of ProphetX had pointed remarks on the Thunder’s bench not contributing much against the Spurs on Sunday night. Rueda posted on X, “There’s no bench carrying SGA tonight, that’s why he’s struggling badly too. ‘MVP’.”
There’s no bench carrying SGA tonight, that’s why he’s struggling badly too.
“MVP”
— Ryan Rueda (@PlayoffDude) May 25, 2026
The Western Conference Finals now move to Oklahoma for Game 5 on Tuesday night.
The Thunder fans will be hoping Gilgeous-Alexander regains his flow to help OKC retake the series lead. Meanwhile, the Spurs’ defense will remain a major factor as Wembanyama and co. look to make the most of their rediscovered momentum.
