This game, in the landscape of the Western Conference finals, is pivotal.
The San Antonio Spurs cannot afford to fall behind in this series and must protect homecourt. Because if the Thunder win Sunday, May 24 in Game 4 to take a 3-1 series lead back to Oklahoma City for Game 5, San Antonio’s rise could be quelled earlier than it wants.
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All eyes will be on the two stars in the series, reigning two-time consecutive Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder and Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs.
At halftime, the Spurs lead, 50-38.
Here are live takeaways from Game 4 of the Western Conference finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs:
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Victor Wembanyama leads Spurs to a huge win in double OT. See game highlights
Oklahoma City Thunder fans react during Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center on May 18, 2026.
(Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images)
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Victor Wembanyama leads Spurs to a huge win in double OT. See game highlights
Oklahoma City Thunder fans react during Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center on May 18, 2026.
(Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images)
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Terrell Owens cheers during the second quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 10, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
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Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown claps during the second half of the game between the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena.
(Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images)
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Actress Jessica Alba attends Game 4 of the playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026.
(Luke Hales, Getty Images)
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Actors Kevin Connolly, Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn attend Game 4 of the playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026.
(Luke Hales, Getty Images)
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Phoenix Suns player Dillon Brooks attends game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
(Gary A. Vasquez, Imagn Images)
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Rappers Marshall “Eminem” Mathers and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson attend Game Five between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 13, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)
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A San Antonio Spurs fan is seen following Game Five of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center on May 12, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
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Film actor Eddie Murphy attends game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
(Gary A. Vasquez, Imagn Images)
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Coco Jones hugs her fiancee Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell after the Cavaliers beat the Detroit Pistons in game three in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
(Ken Blaze, Imagn Images)
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Detroit Pistons dancers perform during a time out in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena.
(Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images)
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Allen Iverson attends the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green looks on in the first half of the game between the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena.
(Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images)
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A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team performs during a time out during the second half of game three between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
(Ken Blaze, Imagn Images)
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Retired Oklahoma women’s basketball college basketball coach Sherri Coale watches the second half of game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.
(Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images)
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Oklahoma City Thunder fans cheer for their team against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
(Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images)
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Former NBA players Jalen Rose and Jimmy King look on during a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 07, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)
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Cooper DeJean of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on before the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
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Franklin the Dog, mascot of the Philadelphia 76ers, greets Ben Stiller in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
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Ben Stiller and Arthur Embiid, son of Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers, interact during the game between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
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Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers signs autographs before Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs against the Detroit Pistons at Rocket Arena on May 09, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jason Miller, Getty Images)
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Aidan Hutchinson of the Detroit Lions and former NBA player Jalen Rose meet during the first half of a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 07, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)
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Actor Timothée Chalamet reacts during the third quarter in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on May 06, 2026, in New York City.
(Dustin Satloff, Getty Images)
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New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns greets his fiancee, Jordyn Woods, after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 108-102 in game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)
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Bryce Underwood of the Michigan Wolverines watches from court side during the second quarter of a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 05, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)
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Actor and filmmaker Spike Lee reacts to a call during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)
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Actor Ben Stiller reacts after Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on May 06, 2026, in New York City.
(Dustin Satloff, Getty Images)
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Actor Timothee Chalamet celebrates after the New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 108-102 in game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)
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Socialite Jordyn Woods looks on during the second quarter in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on May 06, 2026, in New York City.
(Dustin Satloff, Getty Images)
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Former San Antonio Spurs player Tim Duncan looks on in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center.
(Daniel Dunn, Imagn Images)
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Minnesota Timberwolves co-owner Alex Rodriguez watches Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on May 06, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.
(Ronald Cortes, Getty Images)
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Rapper Fat Joe and actor Ben Stiller embrace after Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on May 06, 2026, in New York City.
(Dustin Satloff, Getty Images)
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Former San Antonio Spurs player Manu Ginobili looks on during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center.
(Daniel Dunn, Imagn Images)
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Actor Tracy Morgan sits court side during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)
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Actor Matt Dilon sits court side during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)
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The San Antonio Spurs Hype Squad performs in the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center.
(Daniel Dunn, Imagn Images)
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Jimmy Fallon reacts during the second quarter of a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 04, 2026, in New York City.
(Al Bello, Getty Images)
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American comedian and talk show host Jimmy Fallon sits court side during the fourth quarter of game one of the eastern conference semifinal round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Former San Antonio Spurs player David Robinson looks on during the second quarter of a game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Spurs in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Frost Bank Center on May 04, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.
(Ronald Cortes, Getty Images)
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Actor Timothée Chalamet looks on during the second quarter of a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 04, 2026, in New York City.
(Al Bello, Getty Images)
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American producer and activist Spike Lee reacts during the first quarter of game one of the eastern conference semifinal round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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American producer and activist Spike Lee talks to New York Mets injured shortstop Francisco Lindor during the first quarter of game one of the eastern conference semifinal round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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The San Antonio Spurs Coyote performs during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center.
(Daniel Dunn, Imagn Images)
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Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs looks on in the second half of the game between the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena.
(Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images)
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Detroit Pistons dancers perform during a time out in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena.
(Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images)
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Moondog performs during the first quarter of game seven between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
(Ken Blaze, Imagn Images)
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Steve Schirripa looks on during the second quarter of a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 04, 2026, in New York City.
(Al Bello, Getty Images)
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A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Dance Team performs during a time out in the second half of game seven in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
(Ken Blaze, Imagn Images)
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New York Knicks fan Spike Lee celebrates with guard Miles McBride after a victory over the Atlanta Hawks during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
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Philadelphia 76ers managing partner Josh and Marjorie Harris pose for a photo with the mascot after defeating the Boston Celtics 106-93 in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 30, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Elsa, Getty Images)
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A Houston Rockets fan poses prior to Game Six against the Los Angeles Lakers in the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 01, 2026, in Houston, Texas.
(Kenneth Richmond, Getty Images)
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Daniel Caesar attends Game Six between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors in the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 01, 2026, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
(Cole Burston, Getty Images)
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Houston Rockets cheerleader performs during a timeout against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center.
(Erik Williams, Imagn Images)
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Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe signs the jersey of 12-year-old Kallie McKenna before game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden.
(Winslow Townson, Imagn Images)
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Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center.
(Erik Williams, Imagn Images)
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Toronto Maple Leafs Matthew Knies (C) attends Game Six between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 01, 2026, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
(Cole Burston, Getty Images)
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Orlando Magic mascot Stuff getting the crowd into it in the fourth quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center.
(Jeremy Reper, Imagn Images)
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Orlando Magic dancer during a timeout in the fourth quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center.
(Jeremy Reper, Imagn Images)
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Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin attend game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.
(Gary A. Vasquez, Imagn Images)
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Tracy Morgan, Tina Fey, Timothée Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, and Ben Stiller attend Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 28, 2026 in New York City.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Filmmaker and New York Knicks fan Spike Lee in the stands against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on April 30, 2026.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
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A young fan enters the arena seating before a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 30, 2026 in Philadelphia.
(Bill Streicher, Imagn Images)
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Cleveland Cavaliers cheerleaders perform before game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
(David Richard, Imagn Images)
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GloRilla dances after Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs between the Toronto Raptors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Scotiabank Arena on April 26, 2026, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
(Cole Burston, Getty Images)
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Cleveland Cavaliers mascot Moondog interacts with fans before game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
(David Richard, Imagn Images)
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Houston Rockets dancers perform during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 26, 2026.
(Troy Taormina, Imagn Images)
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American rapper Common and singer Jennifer Hudson sit courtside during Game 5 of the playoff series between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 26, 2026.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Timothee Chalamet and Ben Stiller reacts during the second quarter of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Toronto Fans cheer on their team during Game 4 of the NBA first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Scotiabank Arena on April 26, 2026.
(Dan Hamilton, Imagn Images)
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A young San Antonio Spurs fan holds up a sign before Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Frost Bank Center on April 28, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.
(Ronald Cortes, Getty Images)
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Ayo Dosunmu #13 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates with fans against the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter of Game Four of the First Round of the 2026 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on April 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn.
(David Berding, Getty Images)
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The Minnesota Timberwolves dancers perform before the game against the Denver Nuggets at Target Center on April 25, 2026.
(Matt Blewett, Imagn Images)
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Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) and Crunch, the Minnesota Timberwolves mascot, warm up before the game against the Denver Nuggets at Target Center on April 25, 2026.
(Matt Blewett, Imagn Images)
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Philadelphia Eagles 1st round draft pick Makai Lemon prepares to ring the bell during pregame ceremony before game against the Boston Celtics at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
(Eric Hartline, Imagn Images)
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The Toronto Raptors dance team performs during a break in the action against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena.
(John E. Sokolowski, Imagn Images)
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Rapper T.I. looks on during the fourth quarter of game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
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NBA player Chris Paul talks to former player Grant Hill during a game between the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks in the second quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
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Comedian D.C. Young Fly reacts after the Atlanta Hawks 109-108 win over the New York Knicks in game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
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Atlanta Hawks cheerleader performs before a game against the New York Knicks during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
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Rapper and producer Quavo watches a game between the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks in the second quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
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Rapper and entertainer Pastor Troy performs during a game between the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks in the second quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
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Toronto Raptors fans cheer in the area known as Jurassic Park outside of Scotiabank Arena before game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
(John E. Sokolowski, Imagn Images)
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A member of the Boston Celtics dance team performs during a time out in the first half of a game two against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 21, 2026.
(Brian Fluharty, Imagn Images)
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Actor Timothee Chalamet claps in his court side seat during the first quarter of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 20, 2026.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Denver Nuggets fans cheer in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 20, 2026.
(Ron Chenoy, Imagn Images)
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Denver Nuggets dancers perform in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 20, 2026.
(Ron Chenoy, Imagn Images)
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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and his wife Kelly attend game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images)
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Actor Will Ferrell attends game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images)
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Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
(Ken Blaze, Imagn Images)
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Former NFL player Shannon Sharpe sits next to producer Jeffrey Katzenberg during the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images)
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Denver Nuggets fan dressed as DC comic the Joker during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 20, 2026.
(Ron Chenoy, Imagn Images)
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American producer and activist Spike Lee reacts from his courtside seat during Game 2 of the first-round playoff series between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 20, 2026.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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American Olympic gymnast Suni Lee sits courtside during Game 2 of the first-round playoff series between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 20, 2026.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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San Antonio Spurs fan wears an alien on her stomach during the first half of game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Frost Bank Center in San Antonia on April 19, 2026.
(Scott Wachter, Imagn Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers girls cheerleaders perform during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
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Cleveland Brows player Myles Garrett riles up the crowd during the first half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
(Ken Blaze, Imagn Images)
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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signs his autograph for fans before the start of game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center.
(Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images)
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Detroit Pistons Dance team performs while playing the Orlando Magic during game one of the first round of the eastern conference playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on April 19, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)
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Fans react court side after a basket by the New York Knicks during the first half of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden.
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images)
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A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team performs during a time out during the second half of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
(Ken Blaze, Imagn Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers girls cheerleaders perform against the Houston Rockets during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, at Crypto.com Arena.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
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A fan waves a towel during the second half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
(Ken Blaze, Imagn Images)
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Fans arrive to watch warmups before game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena.
(Christopher Hanewinckel, Imagn Images)
When Victor Wembanyama plays like this, the Spurs can win a title
This is what it looks like when a star player — arguably the most gifted hooper on the planet — carries his team. With the threat of a 3-1 series deficit looming, Victor Wembanyama was sensational in the first half, dropping 22 points on 7-of-16 shooting, hauling in 5 rebounds, dishing 3 assists and swatting away 2 blocks.
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Wembanyama is playing with intention on both ends of the floor. He’s being the vocal leader, communicating with teammates and coaches. He’s playing inside and out, attacking the rim and using his range to hit outside shots.
This is the Wembanyama for which the Thunder have no answer.
This is the swarming defensive intensity San Antonio needs to win this series
The Spurs were more forceful, used active hands to deflect balls and swipe steals, and they were disciplined; they didn’t fall for the bait that Oklahoma City so often uses to dupe defenders into foul trouble.
More importantly for the Spurs, they were able to turn that defense into offense, with a stretch of seven consecutive missed shots midway through the first sparking a 16-0 San Antonio run. The Spurs were throwing extra bodies at Gilgeous-Alexander and picking him up with full-court pressure to make every possession difficult.
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In the first half, the Thunder shot the ball 35.6%.
The path back for the Thunder is from deep
The Thunder entered Sunday night’s game shooting 39.5% in this series from 3-point range, with 47 conversions from beyond the arc.
In the first half, the Thunder made just 1-of-11 attempts (9.1%) from 3. The Spurs weren’t particularly efficient from deep either — San Antonio shot just 5-of-16 (31.3%) from deep — but Oklahoma City will have a tough time coming back from this 12-point deficit if the outside shot isn’t falling.
The Spurs want to get out on fastbreaks
It makes sense: the Thunder are the premier half-court defensive team in the association. So any chance the Spurs can prevent Oklahoma City from getting settled into their set defense, it’s to their advantage. It destabilizes the Thunder and allows for easier entry into the paint.
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The Spurs took a 10-0 advantage on fastbreak points into the half.
The Spurs’ Dylan Harper (2), Stephon Castle (5) and Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and Luguentz Dort (5), scramble for a loose ball during Game 4 at Frost Bank Center.
Mark Daigneualt, once again, looks to his bench for a spark
The Thunder are the deepest team in the NBA. Coach Mark Daigneault, seeing his team struggle early from the floor, turned to reserves to try to get a spark.
Eleven players recorded minutes in the first half, which isn’t uncommon for the Thunder; Daigneault has played a similar rotation in this series, but the difference is that, this time, the group isn’t providing that spark.
After Alex Caruso posted monster games earlier in the series to carry the bench, the Thunder reserves scored just 6 points in the first half, compared to 8 from the Spurs bench.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Spurs vs Thunder Game 4 takeaways: Pivotal for Wemby, San Antonio
Read the full article here