By Blessing Nweke

The San Antonio Spurs seized home-court advantage in dramatic fashion Monday night, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 122-115 in a double-overtime classic to open the Western Conference finals.

Victor Wembanyama delivered a dominant performance with 41 points and 24 rebounds, while rookie guard Dylan Harper added 24 points and a team playoff-record seven steals as San Antonio won for the fifth time in six meetings against Oklahoma City this season.

Wembanyama sealed the victory in the closing minute of the second overtime with two thunderous dunks, including a three-point play that silenced the Oklahoma City crowd. Stephon Castle scored 17 points for San Antonio, while Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson each finished with 13. Julian Champagnie chipped in 11 as the Spurs played without injured guard De’Aaron Fox, who missed the game because of ankle stiffness.

The Thunder were led by Alex Caruso, who scored 31 points off the bench in the second-highest scoring game of his career. Jalen Williams returned from a six-game absence caused by a hamstring strain and added 26 points.

League MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 24 points and 12 assists but struggled shooting, going 7-for-23 from the field. It marked his poorest first-half shooting performance in nearly three years.

The Spurs led by 10 midway through the fourth quarter before Oklahoma City rallied to force overtime. Wembanyama missed a potential game-winner at the end of regulation after Chet Holmgren blocked his attempt.

Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday night in Oklahoma City.