Five months ago, a Game 7 in Texas ended Oklahoma City’s title defence and sent San Antonio to the Finals. On Tuesday the Thunder walked into the same building for opening night and left with a 116-104 win that felt like a statement.
The talking point was a shooting line nobody expected. Victor Wembanyama missed his first twelve attempts and finally scored when De’Aaron Fox lobbed him the ball for a dunk at the buzzer closing the third quarter. He finished one of 13 from the field, the worst percentage of his career, though he still finished with a dozen points, 13 boards and half a dozen blocked shots. The Frenchman conceded afterwards that he had been thinking too much.
Much of the credit went to Chet Holmgren, who had looked overmatched against him in the playoffs. This time Holmgren was physical and assertive, adding 14 points and four blocks, while rookie Aday Mara also held his ground in his first NBA game. Coach Mark Daigneault said his side had found “the perfect balance” between crowding the star and staying disciplined.
At the other end, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did what he always does. Thirty-two points made it 141 straight outings with at least 20 for the reigning two-time MVP. Jared McCain, picked up from Philadelphia last season, chipped in 20 and buried six of eight threes. OKC hit ten of 14 from deep before the break and led by as many as 26.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson refused to single anyone out, saying everyone struggled equally. One game down, 81 to go.
