SAN ANTONIO — Keldon Johnson led the San Antonio Spurs with 22 points, while Harrison Barnes contributed 20, as the Spurs secured a 110-104 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night. This win marked the Spurs’ first triumph in the Emirates NBA Cup, achieved without their star player Victor Wembanyama.

Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shone for the Thunder, scoring 32 points, while Jalen Williams added 27 to his tally. Despite a late surge from the Thunder, who finished with a 27-12 scoring run, they were unable to find the net during the final minute of the game.

Notably, rookie Stephon Castle played a crucial role for the Spurs, contributing 10 points and eight assists. He also made a key defensive play by blocking a layup attempt from Gilgeous-Alexander with just 22 seconds left on the clock, maintaining the Spurs’ 110-104 lead. Another veteran presence, Chris Paul, added 14 points and 11 assists for San Antonio, including a timely 3-pointer that helped widen the gap to 107-98 with 1:27 left in the game.

Both Wembanyama and Devin Vassell were sidelined for the Spurs due to leg injuries, with Wembanyama dealing with a bruised knee and Vassell experiencing pain in his left knee. On the other side, the Thunder were missing Chet Holmgren, who is expected to be out for two months due to a fractured hip.

In terms of performance, the Thunder managed to force 13 turnovers in the first half, but their defensive pressure waned, with only seven additional turnovers in the second half. For the Spurs, Barnes showcased an impressive shooting night, hitting three out of seven attempts from beyond the arc, marking a season-best performance.

A highlight of the game occurred when Keldon Johnson executed a spectacular one-handed dunk just before halftime, following a crossover move that left his defender on the floor. Just moments later, Johnson set himself and drilled a 3-pointer, giving the Spurs a narrow 58-57 lead. This was part of a dominant stretch for San Antonio, as they went on a 25-3 run spanning into the third quarter, establishing a commanding 74-58 lead three minutes into the second half.

This victory was significant for the Spurs, as they had previously lost their first five games in the NBA Cup.

Looking ahead, the Thunder are set to host the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, while the Spurs will welcome the Utah Jazz on Thursday as they continue their three-game homestand.