ARRIVAL

Nothing is guaranteed for the Thunder or anyone. Not when Victor Wembanyama is around.

Good morning. Let's basketball.

Victor Wembanyama was back. This was the news and the expectation heading into Saturday's NBA Cup semifinal game between the Thunder and the Spurs. Wembanyama's return had been discussed all week – would it happen in time for the quarterfinal match vs. the Lakers? or in the semis if they made it? or wait until after the Spurs were eliminated from the Cup to minimize pressure? On Friday, it became clear that Wembanyama would play Saturday in a game already hotly anticipated.

And then in the first quarter of that game, Wembanyama never took off his warm-ups. The Spurs trailed by 11. They couldn't score on the impossible Thunder defense, OKC already had 11 points off of five San Antonio turnovers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was already in double figures. Did something happen to Wembanyama in warm-ups? Did Mitch Johnson or R.C. Buford or Wembanyama himself change their minds?

It was all just a part of the strategy: Big Vic started the second quarter. He played for 3-1/2 minutes. The Spurs went on a 9-2 run during that stint to cut the deficit to four. His mere presence completely changed how OKC attacked the paint (they didn't) and his activity on the offensive glass generated good second chances (including a tip of his own). He instantly changed the complexion of the game.

He sat again and the Thunder immediately went on a 14-2 run to take a commanding lead 16-point lead. OKC looked a little relieved, a lot comfortable. The Thunder were ice cold from deep but, other than during those three weird minutes with Wembanyama on the floor, they had dominated the Spurs just like they dominate everyone.

And then Wembanyama came back.