Wembanyama makes immediate impact, helps Spurs past Thunder and into NBA Cup final

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Here's how much the NBA Cup semifinals against Oklahoma City meant to San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama: He grabbed the ball after a missed Thunder shot in the final moments, squeezed it and screamed in delight.

Technically, it was just another game.

It sure didn't seem that way.

Welcome back, Victor. The Spurs are headed to the NBA Cup championship game against the New York Knicks, after knocking off the defending NBA champion Thunder 111-109 on Saturday night in the tournament semifinals — just the second loss for OKC in 26 games this season.

“This is not a typical regular-season game," Wembanyama said. "We knew if that if we lose, we’re out. And you know, some people are built for these moments. Some aren’t. But we definitely are.”

The win came in Wembanyama's return from a 12-game absence caused by a left calf strain. He finished with 22 points and nine rebounds in 21 minutes — coming off the bench for the first time in his NBA career.

There won't be too many more times when he doesn't start. Wembanyama wondered aloud after the game if someone can win Sixth Man and MVP in the same season, with a big smile across his face.

“As soon as Vic came in, he had the impact that we needed,” the Spurs' Devin Vassell said.

There were plenty of signs of emotion in the final minutes from Wembanyama, indicating that this indeed wasn't just another game.

A fallaway that turned into a falling-down shot by Wembanyama put the Spurs up by six with 9:49 left. He got fouled by Oklahoma City's Cason Wallace the next time down the floor in one of those intentional, but not flagrant, don't-give-up-a-dunk fouls, and flexed his arms toward Wallace after the play.

The Spurs bench roared in delight — again, not the sort of scene typically associated with a regular-season contest in December.

“It is one of 82, but to your point, there are always circumstances and contexts,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said. “And that doesn’t mean that everybody quantifies them the same, but I do think that our guys have been excited about the Cup. I think our guys are excited to play really good teams. ... When you play the Oklahoma City Thunder, you’re getting the league’s best. And we are a competitive group and we want to continue to challenge ourselves to continue to get better. There’s no better way to do that but to play the best.”

Wembanyama scored in the lane with 2:32 left to put the Spurs up for good, then helped finish off the win by going 4 for 6 from the foul line in the final 78 seconds.

His impact on the game was immediate. Oklahoma City led 31-20 after the first quarter; Wembanyama checked in for the first time to open the second quarter and everything quickly changed.

He got an offensive rebound and scored on his opening possession. By the end of his first minute, he had grabbed two more rebounds and had an assist to set up a 3-pointer. There was one play where he lost his dribble and then sent his 7-foot-4 frame sprawling to the floor to dive on the ball, which he gathered and then passed to Julian Champagnie for another 3-pointer.

He played 7:19 of the first half. In that time, the Spurs outscored the Thunder by 20 points — 9-2 in his first stint, 15-2 in his second stint, 24-4 combined. That's right, a 24-4 margin over a team that had a 24-1 record entering the night, outscored teams by a record average last season and are on pace to smash that record this season.

But those minutes set a new tone and gave the Spurs a chance. Now, they'll be back in Las Vegas on Tuesday with a chance at winning the NBA Cup. And Thunder coach Mark Daigneault summed up Wembanyama's impact with one word: “Huge,” he said.

“Credit to him and them," Daigneault said. “I thought for stretches of the game, they played really well without him, too. I didn’t think it was isolated to him. I thought that was a great team win for them. They won as a team. A lot of their guys played well, but he certainly had an impact on the game.”

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) commands the ball near Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) during the second half of an NBA Cup semifinals basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ronda Churchill)

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts to scoring in the second half of an NBA Cup semifinals basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ronda Churchill)

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) lands on the court during the second half of an NBA Cup semifinals basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ronda Churchill)

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) stands on court before film crews after playing in an NBA Cup semifinals basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ronda Churchill)

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 2, 2026--

White Castle, the family-owned Slider pioneer, is bringing a little Southwest sizzle to the Castle in the form of a brand-new Slider: the Chicken Fajita Slider.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260402672708/en/

Available for a limited time beginning April 6, the Chicken Fajita Slider invites Cravers to spice up their spring in a whole new way. This bold, flavor-packed creation features crispy, all-white meat chicken topped with grilled onions and peppers, jalapeño cheese and zesty green chili aioli. It’s a Southwest-inspired twist designed to deliver maximum Crave in every bite.

“We’re always looking for new ways to surprise and delight our Cravers,” said Jamie Richardson, chief marketing officer at White Castle. “The Chicken Fajita Slider brings bold flavor to our iconic Slider lineup while staying true to what we do best: delivering hot, tasty and affordable food that keeps people coming back for more.”

White Castle market tested the Chicken Fajita Slider in Indianapolis in 2021. While customers loved the Slider, a post-COVID ingredient shortage put the systemwide rollout on the back burner. A consumer survey in the fall of 2025, however, confirmed that it was time to introduce the Chicken Fajita Slider as a limited-time menu item in all of its markets.

The Chicken Fajita Slider, available at participating White Castles through June 14 or while supplies last, costs between $2.59 and $2.99, depending on the region.

White Castle also introduces brand-new Jalapeño Cravioli

In addition to the Chicken Fajita Slider, White Castle is introducing another brand-new, limited-time-only menu item — Jalapeño Cravioli. This tasty side dish is made from diced jalapeño peppers and cream cheese stuffed inside crispy, seasoned cornmeal breading and served with green chili aioli dipping sauce. It runs $1.99 for a small serving (five pieces) and $4.99 for a sack (14 pieces) and is available April 6 through June 14 (or while supplies last).

April brings hot and steamy deals to the Castle

Cravers coming to Castles in April can savor the new Chicken Fajita Slider, Jalapeño Cravioli, and countless other Sliders and sides at unbeatable prices. Members of the free-to-join CRAVER NATION REWARDS ® program can get a Chicken Fajita Slider and a three-piece Jalapeño Cravioli for just $3.99. In addition, beginning April 6, Cravers can visit whitecastle.com/value-offers to download coupons for $3 off a Crave Clutch and $1 off any Combo Meal.

Editor’s Note: Download imageshere.

About White Castle ®

White Castle, America’s first fast-food hamburger chain, has been making hot and tasty Sliders since 1921. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the family-owned business owns and operates 334 restaurants as well as a retail division providing its famous fare in freezer aisles of retail stores nationwide. As part of its commitment to offering the highest quality products, White Castle owns and operates its own Slider Provider meat plants, bakeries and frozen-Slider retail plants. White Castle has earned numerous accolades over the years including “Most Influential Burger of All Time” by Time magazine (2014, The Original Slider ® ) and one of the “10 Most Innovative Dining Companies” by Fast Company (2021). White Castle is known for the legendary engagement of its team members and has received the Great Place to Work ® Certification™ for an extraordinary five consecutive years spanning 2021–2025. White Castle is beloved by its passionate fans (Cravers), many of whom compete each year for entry into the Cravers Hall of Fame. The official White Castle app makes it easy for Cravers to sign up for the CRAVER NATION REWARDS ® loyalty program, access sweet deals and place pickup orders at any time. For more information on White Castle and how to Follow Your Crave, visit whitecastle.com.

On April 6, White Castle will introduce two brand-new limited-time menu items -- the Chicken Fajita Slider and Jalapeño Cravioli.