Behind another stellar performance from Victor Wembanyama and a balanced offensive attack, the San Antonio Spurs stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals on Saturday night at Paycom Center, capturing the series 4-3 and advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014.
In what felt like the beginning of a rivalry that could define the Western Conference for years to come, the young Spurs once again found a way to overcome the Thunder, ending Oklahoma City’s bid to repeat as NBA champions and continuing their emergence as one of the league’s premier powers.
San Antonio entered the season with championship aspirations but endured its share of adversity. Despite injuries throughout the year, the Spurs finished with a remarkable 62-20 record and repeatedly proved to be a thorn in Oklahoma City’s side. They won four of five regular-season meetings, knocked the Thunder out of the NBA Cup semifinals, and ultimately delivered the knockout blow in the Western Conference Finals.
The series began with a Spurs victory in Oklahoma City and fittingly ended the same way.
Wembanyama led the way with 22 points, showcasing the poise and dominance that have quickly made him one of the NBA’s brightest stars. The 7-foot-4 sensation controlled key stretches of the game on both ends of the floor and delivered several momentum-shifting plays as the Spurs weathered Oklahoma City’s late pushes.
Julian Champagnie provided a huge spark from beyond the arc, scoring 20 points with 18 coming on six made 3-pointers. His perimeter shooting helped stretch the Thunder defense and opened driving lanes throughout the night.
Rookie Stephon Castle added 16 points, while De’Aaron Fox contributed 15 points and veteran leadership in crucial moments. Dylan Harper scored 12 points, and both Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell chipped in 11 as San Antonio showcased the depth that carried it through a grueling seven-game series.
The Spurs’ balanced attack proved too much for Oklahoma City to overcome.
The Thunder leaned heavily on NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who delivered a game-high 35 points in a valiant effort. Time and again, Gilgeous-Alexander kept Oklahoma City within striking distance, but he lacked consistent offensive support as the Spurs gradually seized control in the second half.
One of the biggest storylines was the continued struggles of Chet Holmgren. After excelling during the first two playoff rounds and earning Third-Team All-NBA honors during the regular season, Holmgren never found his rhythm against San Antonio’s defense.
In Game 7, Holmgren finished with just four points and four rebounds in 33 minutes. He attempted only two shots all night, with his final field-goal attempt coming with 9:39 remaining in the first quarter. The lack of offensive involvement was emblematic of a difficult series for the Thunder big man.
For Oklahoma City, the loss ends a remarkable season that saw the franchise post the NBA’s best regular-season record at 64-18. Yet for the eighth consecutive year, the league will crown a new champion.
For San Antonio, the victory marks another milestone in a rapid ascent led by Wembanyama. The Spurs have quickly transformed from rebuilding franchise to championship contender, and their young core appears positioned to challenge for titles for years to come.
As the final seconds ticked away, Spurs players celebrated on the Paycom Center floor while a stunned Oklahoma City crowd watched its championship dreams disappear.
Now, San Antonio turns its attention to the NBA Finals, where it will face the New York Knicks. Game 1 is scheduled for Wednesday night in San Antonio as the Spurs seek their first NBA championship since 2014.
The road to the title now runs through Wembanyama and the Spurs.
