NBA: Wemby Shines as Spurs Stun Thunder

Victor Wembanyama made a sensational return from injury to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a stunning NBA Cup semi-final upset of the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday.

French prodigy Wembanyama, who has missed the Spurs’ last 12 games after suffering a left calf strain last month, produced a dominant performance at both ends of the court to set up a thrilling 111-109 victory at Las Vegas’s T-Mobile Arena.

The 7ft 4in (2.24m) 21-year-old finished with 22 points, nine rebounds and two blocks in 21 minutes on court, helping the Spurs climb out of a 16-point hole in the second quarter to inflict only the second Oklahoma City defeat this season.

NBA champions Oklahoma City had gone into the game on the back of a 16-game winning streak, boasting a 24-1 record that had prompted talk of breaking Golden State’s 73-win record. But after making a smooth start to control the game, Wembanyama began to make his presence felt off the bench in the second quarter to breathe new life into the San Antonio ranks.

“I knew I had limited minutes, so I had to make the most out of it,” Wembanyama said.

“Winning against a team like this, it might seem like it’s just a game, but it’s a collective effort, and it’s not an easy thing.” He added.

Wembanyama was one of four San Antonio players to finish with double figures, with Devin Vassell scoring 23, and Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox adding 22 apiece.

Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder, scoring with 29 points, while Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren added 17 points each.

In Saturday’s other semi-final, Jalen Brunson scored 40 points to power the New York Knicks to their first NBA Cup final with a 132-120 win over the Orlando Magic.

The Knicks’ in-form offence proved too hot for injury-hit Orlando as New York took their recent streak to nine wins from 10 games.

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Tope Oke

Temitope is a storyteller driven by a passion for the intricate world of geopolitics, the raw beauty of wildlife, and the dynamic spirit of sports. As both a writer and editor, he excels at crafting insightful and impactful narratives that not only inform but also inspire and advocate for positive change. Through his work, he aims to shed light on complex issues, celebrate diverse perspectives, and encourage readers to engage with the world around them in a more meaningful way.