Spurs Secure First NBA Cup Victory

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Spurs Secure First NBA Cup Victory

The San Antonio Spurs achieved their first victory in the Emirates NBA Cup by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 110-104 on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. This win came despite the absence of key players Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell, who are recovering from leg injuries.

Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes were instrumental in the Spurs' victory, scoring 22 and 20 points, respectively. Johnson's performance included a memorable one-handed dunk and a 3-pointer that gave the Spurs a 58-57 lead late in the first half. This was part of a significant 25-3 run that extended into the third quarter, giving the Spurs a 74-58 lead.

Chris Paul contributed significantly with 14 points and 11 assists, including a crucial 3-pointer as the shot clock expired to extend the Spurs' lead to 107-98 with 1:27 remaining. Rookie Stephon Castle also made a key block on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's layup with 22 seconds left to secure the win.

The Thunder, missing Chet Holmgren due to a fractured hip, put up a strong fight, led by Gilgeous-Alexander's 32 points and Jalen Williams' 27 points. However, their late-game surge, which included a 27-12 run, was not enough to overcome the Spurs' lead.

Results:
- San Antonio Spurs: 110
- Oklahoma City Thunder: 104

Top Scorers:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder): 32 points
- Jalen Williams (Thunder): 27 points
- Keldon Johnson (Spurs): 22 points
- Harrison Barnes (Spurs): 20 points

#NBA,#SpursWin,#NBACup