The Spurs ran out 122-105 winners at the AT&T Center in Texas, with Tim Duncan top scoring for the hosts with 27 points, while Tony Parker (14 points, 12 assists) was also impressive.
Manu Ginobili (18), Danny Green (16) and Kawhi Leonard (16) also contributed in an even performance from last season’s runners-up.
Kevin Durant (28) and Russell Westbrook (25) paced the Thunder’s scoring, while Derek Fisher missed just two baskets – netting four threes from six attempts on his way to 16 points.
The Spurs got off to a fast start, leading by as much as 11 points in the first quarter but the Thunder fought back to trail by just three at the end of the period.
The second quarter was a similar story, although Spurs’ margins were increasing – their biggest lead prior to half-time being 15 points – while their advantage at the main break was just eight.
The Thunder failed to trouble the scorers in the opening 2:11 of the second half, although Westbrook and Durant would combine for 19 points across the next 5:05 to give the visitors a narrow lead.
Spurs’ response was impressive, though, as they went on a 10-0 run and did not relinquish the lead thereon.
The hosts’ lead was seven points heading into the final 12 term and the first six points of the quarter to San Antonio put them into an even stronger position.
Ginobili shot nine of Spurs’ 33 final-quarter points as they blew the margin right out, and built some handy momentum for game two on Wednesday.
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