Thunder Beat Spurs 116-104 in NBA Season Opener

Oklahoma City opened its 2026-27 NBA season with a 116-104 road victory over San Antonio at Frost Bank Center on Tuesday, October 20, according to Bleacher Report. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points to lead the Thunder, while Jared McCain contributed 20 points off the bench as Oklahoma City controlled much of the matchup.

Gilgeous-Alexander also recorded five rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Chet Holmgren added 14 points, seven rebounds and four blocks, while Jalen Williams finished with 12 points and seven rebounds. McCain made six three-pointers, providing crucial scoring support for the defending champions.

San Antonio received 24 points and seven rebounds from Stephon Castle. Dylan Harper scored 18 points and dished out five assists, while De'Aaron Fox recorded 14 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Victor Wembanyama struggled offensively, finishing with 12 points on 1-of-13 shooting, but collected 13 rebounds and six blocks.

The opening game featured a physical second-quarter confrontation after Fox threw Holmgren to the floor. Officials separated the players and assessed Fox a flagrant foul, Wembanyama a technical foul and technical fouls to Thunder players Jaylin Williams, Jalen Williams and Kenrich Williams.

Oklahoma City established control before halftime, building a 21-point advantage through perimeter shooting, defensive pressure and Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring. McCain and Alex Caruso provided additional three-point production off the bench, while the Thunder defense limited Wembanyama's effectiveness from the field.

Gilgeous-Alexander attacked the lane, connected from beyond the arc and created opportunities for Holmgren when San Antonio's interior defenders moved to contain him. Wembanyama missed all his field-goal attempts in the first half, leaving the Spurs facing a substantial deficit at the break.

San Antonio responded in the third quarter, with Fox and Castle taking on more of the scoring responsibility. Wembanyama finally made his first field goal on his 13th attempt, while his shot-blocking and free-throw opportunities continued to provide value despite his shooting struggles.

Oklahoma City maintained a 13-point lead entering the fourth quarter after answering San Antonio's comeback attempt. Rookie Aday Mara blocked Wembanyama at one end before finishing a dunk at the other, helping the Thunder preserve their advantage.

The Spurs made another push early in the fourth quarter while Gilgeous-Alexander rested. His return helped Oklahoma City restore a double-digit lead, while McCain hit a key three-pointer, Holmgren protected the rim with another block and Caruso applied defensive pressure to San Antonio's perimeter players.

The result gave Oklahoma City an early victory over a San Antonio team that had defeated the Thunder in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals on the road. The Spurs subsequently fell short in the NBA Finals, setting up renewed attention on the two Western Conference contenders during the new season.

Oklahoma City's next scheduled matchup is against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, as the Thunder look to build on their opening-night victory.