NBA Playoffs: Spurs vs. Thunder Game 5 recap, full highlights

The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs in a pivotal Game 5 at home on Tuesday night.

The San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder have proven that every point in a playoff game matters. On Tuesday night, the two teams once again battled back and forth in a highly contested contest in Game 5.

The Thunder got out to an early lead again in the first quarter and it appeared that the Spurs were not bringing the necessary energy that they needed to bring. Russell Westbrook was aggressive from the beginning and along with Kevin Durant, were really forcing the Spurs hand.

If there was one player that was giving it his all and allowed the Spurs to stay in it early, it was Kawhi Leonard. He was ripping the ball away from the Thunder players and crashing the boards with the highest of energy.

The rest of his team eventually caught on and by the end of the first half, the Spurs had taken the lead and the momentum. Even Tim Duncan was getting into the action with a big dunk of his own and that really fueled the Spurs.

LaMarcus Aldridge was hitting his shots down low against Steven Adams and Enes Kanter and suddenly, the Spurs had built up a double-digit point lead against the the Thunder.

Westbrook wouldn’t allow the Spurs ro run away with it however. A huge three from well past 30 feet pulled the Thunder within three and they would eventually take the lead back heading into the final minute.

With under a minute remaining, Durant would hit two free throws to put Oklahoma City up two. Tony Parker would hit a free throw of his own and the Thunder held a one-point advantage with just over one minute remaining.

Durant would have the ball stripped away and Parker would miss an open jumper that would have given the Spurs the lead. Russell Westbrook would get an and-one and push the Thunder lead to four, as Oklahoma City pulled off the huge win on the road and picked up a 3-2 series advantage.

Full Highlights

Three Stars

3. LaMarcus Aldridge

Aldridge was a reliable scorer that provided the Spurs the points up front that they needed. It isn’t easy with two guys like Steven Adams and Enes Kanter down low, but he did the dirty work and got his points in a losing effort.

2. Russell Westbrook

Westbrook was an absolute freak of nature again. Whether it was driving the lane or making insane shots from beyond the arc, Westbrook did his best to lead the Thunder to victory.

1. Kawhi Leonard

Once again, Leonard’s heart and energy were then when the Spurs needed it most. He made big rebounds, defensive plays and scoring to plays to lead the way for the Spurs, as they lost a close one.

Betting Odds

The Spurs came into the game as seven-point favorites. With the close loss, they did not cover the spread.

What’s Next?

The two teams will meet in Oklahoma City for Game 6 on Thursday night.

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