There was no repeat of the Western Conference Finals on the opening night of the 2026-27 NBA season.

The San Antonio Spurs got an unexpected battle in their final home game of the season Tuesday night. But they found a way to win, just as they have in all but one home game this season at the AT&T Center.

Matching up on Stephon Castle, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went for another one-on-one look. Almost in anger that he's been regarded as one of his top stoppers, he drove downhill before jamming on the brakes. A nasty baseline fadeaway jumper feathered through. Not even Victor Wembanyama could jump in time for a weakside block.

Read our Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder preview with our expert prediction, pick and odds for Thursday, October 22.