Scoreboard: Thunder takes a 3-2 series lead

Final: Thunder def. Spurs, 127-114

OKC leads 3-2 in series

PHOTOS⚡THUNDER | NBA Play-by-Play | CourtSketch

Hours before tip, Ajay Mitchell was ruled out for the pivotal Game 5 against the San Antonio Spurs. Later, Jalen Williams was declared out as well. So the Oklahoma City Thunder, who owned just an 11-10 record when both Dub and Ajay sat, faced the monumental task of slowing the Spurs, who blasted the Thunder in Game 4.

While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led OKC in the scoring department with 32 points, it was a total team effort for the defending champs to take a 3-2 series lead and control of the series. Chet Holmgren came out aggressively in the first half, finishing with a double-double (16 points, 11 rebounds). Isaiah Hartenstein was a beast defending Victor Wembanyama and chipped in 12 points. Kenrich Williams provided a spark off the bench with 8 points. Jared McCain got the surprise start and played fearlessly, dropping 20 points. And maybe the Thunder's MVP this playoffs, Alex Caruso, filled up the stat sheet. Caruso had 22 points, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 2 rebounds.

Even without two of its four best players, the Thunder still went 9+ deep and got contributions from everyone. On the other hand, Wemby had a quiet 20 and the Spurs yet again relied heavily on its top 7 players.

OKC needs to win 1 of the next 2 to book a return trip to the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks.