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Thunder-Spurs takeaways: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shines, Victor Wembanyama wilts as OKC gets its revenge
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) controls the ball against San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Thunder-Spurs takeaways: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shines, Victor Wembanyama wilts as OKC gets its revenge

By Andrew Wright  |  Last updated Oct 21, 2026 12:50 AM ET
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The final game on the first day of the NBA season was a highly anticipated Western Conference Finals rematch between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.

Dating back to the beginning of last season, it is the 13th matchup between the two teams in less than a calendar year. Both teams are familiar with one another, and it is becoming one of the most exciting rivalries in the NBA.

Here are three takeaways from Oklahoma City's 116-104 win on opening night.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is still at the top of his game

Two-time reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 35 points in Game 7 of last season's Western Conference Finals, and he picked right back up where he left off on Tuesday night.

Gilgeous-Alexander dominated the Spurs, scoring 32 points on 13-of-27 shooting from the field, and his impact went far beyond scoring. He stuffed the rest of the stat sheet with five rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks.

Many have wondered if voter fatigue could possibly prevent SGA from a third straight MVP this season. If he plays the entire season like he played Tuesday, though, the voters will have no choice but to make him the first player since Larry Bird (1983-1986) to win the award three straight seasons.

Jared McCain and Aday Mara will play huge roles for Oklahoma City this season

As much love as Oklahoma City's starting unit gets, its bench production has a chance to be elite with players like Jared McCain and rookie Aday Mara.

McCain averaged 10.4 points per game after being traded to the Thunder, and he could very well outperform that this season. He was excellent on Tuesday, scoring 20 points and knocking down six three-pointers, tying a career high.

Mara, on the other hand, isn't going to be an elite bench score but it's his overall body of work that will be so important. In his action Tuesday, Mara scored five points, collected two rebounds and had two blocks. One of those came on one of the most athletic plays anyone has ever made at the rim on Victor Wembanyama.

Stephon Castle looks like he's taken a massive leap

Spurs guard Stephon Castle took a big step from Year 1 to Year 2, and it appears the same thing will be happening in Year 3. Castle was easily the best player on the floor for San Antonio, scoring 24 points and knocking down five three-pointers.

Castle did not have much help around him Tuesday, as Wembanyama was only able to score 12 points and make just one shot from the field.

If Castle continues the consistent progression he's shown in his first two seasons, he'll be a viable No. 2 option for San Antonio alongside Wembanyama.

What's next for both teams?

Oklahoma City will be back in the national spotlight Thursday on ESPN in its home opener against the Denver Nuggets.

For San Antonio, it will also be back in a national spotlight Friday as it welcomes in the Houston Rockets in a game that will be broadcast on Amazon Prime.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan. 

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