Gilgeous-Alexander scores 26 as Thunder beat Wembanyama-less Spurs 127-89.

Oklahoma City — Thunder coach Mark Daigneault has stressed process over outcomes this season. Performance Wednesday reinforced his claim. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 26 points in 26 minutes as Oklahoma City defeated Victor Wembanyama-less San Antonio Spurs 127-89.

A right ankle injury sidelined rookie Wembanyama, a league rising talent. No. 2 scorer Devin Vassell, No. 3 scorer Keldon Johnson, and No. 4 scorer Jeremy Sochan (left ankle) missed the game for San Antonio.  

Oklahoma City approached the game ordinarily. After the Spurs missed their first seven attempts and didn't score for three minutes, the Thunder led 11-0. The Thunder lead 34-11 after one quarter. Oklahoma City allowed the fewest points in a quarter this season.  

Daigneault added, “I thought we were businesslike and serious to start the game, both ends of the floor, and really sustained it throughout. We did well tonight, playing our way and piling possessions regardless of the score. So give the men lots of credit.”  

The Thunder won their third straight and improved to 55-25 with Josh Giddey's 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists and Gordon Hayward's 18 points. Popovich sat Wembanyama because it was the second game of a back-to-back and he was concerned about his long-term health. He did not indicate if Wembanyama will return Friday.  

“I feel badly because he’s not a happy camper right now,” Popovich remarked before the game. “He wants to be out there, but I see the big picture. Our season has been plagued by this injury.”  

Zach Collins scored 20 and grabbed 7 for the Spurs. The Thunder entered the night one game behind the Minnesota Timberwolves for the Western Conference lead with three games left. The Thunder claim they care more about playing well down the stretch than standings.  

We haven’t done that all year, so we won’t white-knuckle the last week of the season and watch the standings,” Daigneault said. “We’ve just really focused on being the best team we can be, and we’ll do that through 82.” Oklahoma City led 68-35 at halftime. Before halftime, the Thunder held San Antonio to 28.6% shooting and scored 22 points off 10 turnovers. Both Gilgeous-Alexander and Giddey scored 18 first-half points. This season's Thunder halftime points allowed were a season low.  

Popovich was happy to see his young guys compete despite the score. “No matter what’s going on on the court, it’s about them executing — how to play with each other and improve their individual games,” he said. “They’re all young men seeking careers. All the minutes of that encounter add up.”  

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