Victor Wembanyama made a triumphant return from a 12-game absence, delivering a game-changing performance in limited minutes to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a thrilling 111-109 upset victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Emirates NBA Cup semifinals on Saturday night.
The 7-foot-4 French phenom, sidelined with a left calf strain, came off the bench for the first time in his NBA career and finished with 22 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 assists, and 1 steal in just 21 minutes. Shooting 6-of-11 from the field and 9-of-12 from the free-throw line, Wembanyama posted an impressive +21 plus-minus, highlighting his massive impact as the Spurs outscored the Thunder by 21 points during his time on the court.
Key Highlights from the Spurs vs Thunder NBA Cup Semifinal
The Thunder, entering the game with a league-best 24-1 record and a franchise-record 16-game winning streak, jumped out to an early lead, building a 16-point advantage in the second quarter. However, Wembanyama’s entry at the start of the period sparked an immediate turnaround. The Spurs erased the deficit with strong runs, including a 13-0 spurt to close the first half and a 10-0 burst in the third quarter.
San Antonio’s balanced attack proved too much for the defending NBA Cup champions (note: sources indicate OKC as recent strong contenders). De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle each scored 22 points, while Devin Vassell contributed 23 points. The Spurs’ resilience shone through in the clutch, holding off a late Thunder push despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s team-high 29 points.
- Final Score: Spurs 111, Thunder 109
- Spurs Advance To: NBA Cup Championship vs. New York Knicks on Tuesday, December 16, 2025
- Thunder’s Streak Snapped: Ends 16-game win streak; record falls to 24-2
Wembanyama’s Return: A Game-Changer for San Antonio Spurs
Wembanyama, on a minutes restriction after missing nearly a month, dazzled in bursts. He dominated the paint, swatting shots (including a memorable block on Chet Holmgren), grabbing offensive rebounds, and drawing “M-V-P” chants from the pro-Spurs crowd at T-Mobile Arena. His presence altered the game’s geometry, forcing OKC to adjust and opening opportunities for teammates.
“Some people are built for these moments, some aren’t. We definitely are,” Wembanyama said postgame, underscoring the young Spurs’ poise in high-stakes play.
The Spurs, who went 9-3 without their superstar, showed they’ve evolved into a dangerous unit. With Wembanyama back alongside Fox, Castle, and Vassell, San Antonio (now 18-7) looks primed for a deep run—not just in the NBA Cup, but potentially the playoffs.
What’s Next in the 2025 NBA Cup?
The Spurs will face the New York Knicks in the championship game, seeking their first NBA Cup title. The Knicks advanced earlier Saturday with a 132-120 win over the Orlando Magic.
This upset victory over the league-leading Thunder sends a clear message: The San Antonio Spurs, led by the unstoppable Victor Wembanyama, are a force to be reckoned with in the 2025-26 NBA season.
