OKLAHOMA CITY (Interstat) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 119-98 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night at Paycom Center.

The defending NBA champion Thunder, who improved to a league-best 34-7, broke open a close game with a 40-point third quarter. San Antonio had won the first three meetings this season.

Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 20 points. Victor Wembanyama added 17 points and seven rebounds. Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams contributed 20 points.

The Thunder shot 51.9% from the field and outscored the Spurs 40-24 in the decisive third period. Oklahoma City also blocked 11 shots. San Antonio fell to 27-14.