Thunder beat Spurs 116-104 as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 32 and Wembanyama goes 1-for-13

The first big showdown of the NBA season belonged to Oklahoma City.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points and the Thunder beat the San Antonio Spurs 116-104 on Tuesday night at Frost Bank Center. NBA general managers had picked these two teams as the top title contenders this season, with the Spurs just ahead of the Thunder in the annual survey.

It was also a rematch of last season's seven-game Western Conference finals, which San Antonio won on its way to the NBA Finals.

A rough night for Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama, the overwhelming MVP pick in that same survey, made just 1 of 13 shots from the field and missed all four of his 3-point tries. He still finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks, getting most of his points at the free throw line, where he went 10 for 12.

Gilgeous-Alexander made 13 of 27 shots and added four assists, two steals and three blocks.

Jared McCain gave the Thunder a big lift off the bench with 20 points in 22 minutes. He made 6 of 8 from 3-point range. Chet Holmgren had 14 points, seven rebounds and four blocks. Jalen Williams scored 12.

Spurs push back

Oklahoma City led 65-44 at halftime and was up by as many as 26 points. San Antonio answered with a 36-point third quarter to get back in the game, but the Thunder held on down the stretch.

Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 24 points and five 3-pointers. Dylan Harper scored 18 and De'Aaron Fox added 14 points and seven assists.

San Antonio shot 36 of 93 from the field and 10 of 37 from 3-point range.