Wembanyama returns! Spurs make a huge comeback to defeat the Thunder, proving that heavy favorites often fail in the NBA.

A contest matching playoff-level intensity.

In the NBA Cup Western Finals, the Spurs rallied from being down by 16 to edge out the Thunder, a historically great team with a previous 24-1 record, by 111-109.

The defending champions not only took their second loss this season but also failed to reach this year’s NBA Cup Final.

What does “favorites always lose” mean?

Today’s game perfectly illustrates it.

Statistically: Vassell scored 23 points with 5 rebounds and 4 assists, Wembanyama had 22 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks, Kastel added 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists, Fox contributed 22 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals, Harper had 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist.

For the Thunder: Alexander posted 29 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists; Jalen Williams had 17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals; Holmgren scored 17 points and grabbed 7 rebounds; Caruso added 11 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals; Hartenstein contributed 10 points and 8 rebounds.

San Antonio turned the neutral site in Las Vegas into their home court.

Reporters at the scene said over 90% of the fans were rooting for the Spurs to topple the Thunder.

Where did they win? In four words: Wembanyama.

Since Wembanyama’s calf injury (grade 2 strain) on November 15, he missed 12 games. During that time, the Spurs performed well, going 9-3.

But everyone knew deep down that without him, the Spurs wouldn’t go far in high-level matches.

Playing the Thunder was definitely a top-tier challenge.

If you only watched the first quarter, you might have turned off the TV because the Spurs had no answer.

That’s because head coach Micke Johnson promised:“We will not use our nuclear option first.”

Since Wembanyama just returned from injury, his minutes were strictly controlled; he played only 20 minutes today.

The result? It speaks for itself.

He only entered in the second quarter but made an immediate impact.

In 7 minutes, he shot 2 of 3, including 1 of 1 from three, scoring 5 points with 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals.

During that stretch, he led two scoring runs of 9-2 and 15-2, with a plus-minus of +20.

Without those runs, the Spurs would likely have lost.

But that was just the appetizer; the second half was his real show.

His impact on both ends of the court was absolutely terrifying.

Whenever he stood inside, he was a massive threat. Many of the Thunder’s offensive sets basically broke down. Stubborn Holmgren tried to challenge, but ended up getting dominated.

On offense, Wembanyama could even pull off difficult fadeaway shots with style.

The Thunder assigned their defensive specialist Caruso to guard the “alien.” While this had some temporary effect, it didn’t stop Wembanyama from breaking through; even when pushed on a fadeaway jumper, he still scored effortlessly.

This is the power of a nuclear weapon.

Before returning, Wembanyama broke from his usual low profile and made a controversial statement:

“Jokic is the best offensive player but not the league’s best overall. That title belongs to Giannis or Alexander. But once I’m back, that player will be me.”

If not for the injury, I am certain:

Wembanyama is currently the most complete two-way player in the NBA.

Don’t just focus on his 22 points; he probably limited the opponent by 22 points too... The Thunder, who usually score over 130, were held to only 109 today.

Lastly, the Thunder needed this loss to cool down.

For the defending champions, it might actually be a good thing.

After all, in the past two years, the NBA Cup winners have not secured the O’Brien Trophy in the same season.