The San Antonio Spurs have reached the NBA Finals. The Texas franchise secured their spot by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals. This victory concludes a hard-fought seven-game series and sends San Antonio to the final round of the playoffs for the first time since 2014. The Spurs won the series 4-3 against the defending champion Thunder and will face the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals.
Wembanyama decisive
Victor Wembanyama finished the decisive game with 22 points and 7 rebounds. The Frenchman was named Western Conference Finals MVP, an individual award that complements San Antonio's team victory. Throughout the series, Wembanyama carried the Spurs on both ends of the court. His defensive presence, offensive output, and impact in clutch situations were instrumental in San Antonio's win over Oklahoma City.
A Texan collective that's up to the task at hand
San Antonio didn't rely on a single player for their qualification. Julian Champagnie added 20 points, including six three-pointers, in Game 7. Stephon Castle, De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, Keldon Johnson, and Devin Vassell also contributed to the scoring. This offensive distribution allowed the Spurs to withstand the Thunder's comeback attempt in the fourth quarter. Even after Wembanyama fouled out, San Antonio maintained their lead and controlled the clutch possessions.
The Thunder fall despite Gilgeous-Alexander
Oklahoma City was led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who tallied 35 points and 9 assists. But the Thunder couldn't find enough support to extend their title defense. San Antonio managed the end of the game better. Luke Kornet's block in the final minutes proved crucial in the closing sequence, just as Oklahoma City was trying to close the gap.
Back in the Finals, twelve years later
The Spurs hadn't reached the NBA Finals since 2014, the year of their last title. This qualification marks San Antonio's return to the top of the Western Conference after several seasons of rebuilding. The Texas franchise will now compete for the title against the New York Knicks. The matchup will have historical significance: the two teams previously faced off in the NBA Finals in 1999, with the Spurs emerging victorious.
The Knicks await San Antonio
The 2026 NBA Finals will begin on Wednesday, June 3, in San Antonio. Game 1 will pit the Knicks against the Spurs at the Frost Bank Center. Game 2 will also be played in San Antonio, on Friday, June 5. San Antonio is four wins away from another NBA title. New York, meanwhile, returns to the Finals with the opportunity to end a very long wait.
