Spurs stun Thunder in Game 7 and advance to NBA Finals for first time since 2014

In a tense back-and-forth battle at the Paycom Center on Saturday, the No. 2 San Antonio Spurs defeated the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 to win the Western Conference Finals 4-3.

Victor Wembanyama turned in a commanding performance, leading the Spurs to their first NBA Finals appearance in more than a decade.

Game Report: Spurs 111, Thunder 103

The game featured strong defensive efforts and key plays from both sides.

San Antonio took a 32-25 lead after the first quarter, establishing early control with balanced scoring and elite rim protection.

The middle quarters remained competitive, with Oklahoma City mounting several comebacks behind their superstar point guard, but the Spurs’ depth and resilience proved decisive in the fourth quarter.

Key stats (Spurs):

Victor Wembanyama: 22 points (7-15 field goals, 3-5 3PT), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 steal in 42 minutes.

He added crucial scoring and defensive presence, including a memorable dunk over Chet Holmgren.

Balanced attack with six players in double figures, which shows the depth of the team.

Strong execution in the fourth quarter to close out the game.

Key Stats (Thunder):

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 35 points (12-21 field goals), 9 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals in 43 minutes – a heroic effort in defeat.

The Thunder fought hard but couldn’t overcome San Antonio’s turnovers and length in key moments.

Wembanyama earned Western Conference Finals MVP honors for his dominance throughout the series, averaging approximately 27.3 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.7 blocks.

His two-way impact, combined with the contributions of young talents like Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, proved too much for the defending champions.

The series was a classic matchup of youth and experience: OKC, the defending champions with the league’s best regular-season record, pushed hard but faltered against San Antonio’s surging core.

The Game 6 blowout (Spurs 118-91) had forced the decisive Game 7 after the Thunder led 3-2.

Analysis: Spurs vs Knicks in the 2026 NBA Finals

The 2026 NBA Finals will pit the San Antonio Spurs against the New York Knicks, marking a compelling East-West clash and a rematch of the 1999 Finals (when the Spurs defeated the Knicks).

Game 1 begins Wednesday, June 3 in San Antonio.

Strengths of spurs:

Wembanyama’s ancestry: At only 22 years old, “Wemby” has become a generational talent. His length, shot blocking and improvement in his offensive game (especially from three) will challenge New York’s interior defense.

Depth and youth: Rookies and young pieces like Castle, Harper and others provide energy and versatility. The Spurs’ ability to win on the road in Game 7 shows mental toughness.

Defensive identity: San Antonio’s length disrupted OKC’s rhythm throughout the series and should give Jalen Brunson and the Knicks guards problems.

Also read: Mike Brown leads New York Knicks to first NBA Finals in 27 years

Knicks strengths:

Eastern dominance: New York swept the Cleveland Cavaliers in the ECF and enters with momentum, with one of the best playoff streaks.

Jalen Brunson remains a key performer, supported by Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart.

Physicality and experience: The Knicks play a gritty, team-oriented style that could wear down San Antonio if the series goes extended.

Brunson’s Leadership: As Eastern Finals MVP, he will be tasked with navigating Wembanyama’s defense.

Confrontation perspective:

This series slightly favors the Spurs due to home field advantage and Wembanyama’s superstar advantage, but the Knicks’ balance and playoff experience make it highly competitive.

Expect a tactical battle between San Antonio’s length and New York’s half-court execution. Fatigue could play a role after San Antonio’s grueling seven-game series.

The Spurs’ Cinderella run, returning to the Finals after years of rebuilding, adds narrative drama.

For OKC, this early exit hurts as a young core learns the hard lessons of defending a title. For basketball fans, it’s a new matchup full of star power and potential for memorable moments.

Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting NBA Finals. The Spurs have the tools to surprise the league once again.