Wembanyama's 41 Points Lead Spurs Past Thunder in Double-OT Thriller in WCF Game 1

(CNA, Oklahoma City, 18th) NBA star Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs erupted for 41 points and 24 rebounds today, leading his team to a 122-115 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in double overtime to win Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. According to the Associated Press, this was the sixth Game 1 in NBA playoff history to go into double overtime, the last being the Spurs against the Golden State Warriors in 2013. Wembanyama secured the win with two consecutive dunks in the final minute, one of which resulted in a three-point play, helping the Spurs steal home-court advantage and win their fifth of six matchups against the Thunder this season. Sporting News noted that the data-focused X account Real App wrote, "Victor Wembanyama is the first player in NBA history to record 40+ points and 20+ rebounds in his conference finals debut." Dylan Harper contributed 24 points and a franchise playoff-record 7 steals for the Spurs. Teammate Stephon Castle added 17 points, while Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson each scored 13, and Julian Champagnie had 11. De'Aaron Fox was out with an ankle injury. For the Thunder, Alex Caruso came off the bench to score a career second-high 31 points. Jalen Williams, returning after a six-game absence due to a hamstring injury, contributed 26 points. Reigning two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 24 points and 12 assists but shot just 7 for 23 from the field. The two teams will play Game 2 in Oklahoma City on the evening of the 20th (morning of the 21st, Taiwan time). (Compiled by: Lu Ying-tzu)