The Oklahoma City Thunder, the reigning NBA champions, were dethroned in a thrilling Western Conference finals series against the San Antonio Spurs. Despite their elimination, the Thunder remain a great basketball team with a bright future.
Game 7 Showdown
Throughout the series, the Spurs relied on Victor Wembanyama's brilliance on the court to offset the Thunder's dominance when he sat. Late in Game 7, Wembanyama picked up his fifth foul early in the fourth quarter, forcing him to the bench. The Spurs led by six, but with backup Luke Kornet on the floor, the lead seemed precarious. However, Kornet made a critical block on Isaiah Hartenstein's layup, sparking a four-point swing that extended San Antonio's lead to eight. Kornet's 54-second stint was enough to stabilize the game until Wembanyama returned.
The Spurs' youthful core then sealed a 111-103 victory, proving that experience isn't always essential in the NBA playoffs. Key contributions came from Keldon Johnson, Dylan Harper, De'Aaron Fox, and Julian Champagnie, who hit six three-pointers after struggling earlier in the series. Wembanyama played the final minutes foul-free, thanks to his teammates' support.
Thunder's Depth and Challenges
The Thunder's depth was a major factor throughout the series, with their bench often outscoring the starters. Injuries to Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell barely affected their performance. However, in Game 7, only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered, scoring 35 points while the rest of the starters combined for 31. By the fourth quarter, he was exhausted, and only Cason Wallace contributed meaningful points. The Thunder's usual strength—their depth—failed them at the critical moment.
Chet Holmgren had a particularly poor game, drawing criticism for his invisibility on the court. Despite this, the Thunder's defense remains elite, and they will likely return healthier and stronger next season.
Unpopular but Effective
The Thunder's playing style, particularly Gilgeous-Alexander's foul-drawing tactics, has drawn widespread criticism. ESPN's Jay Williams highlighted Gilgeous-Alexander's habit of falling to draw fouls, and Hartenstein's hair-pulling incident went unpunished. Despite the backlash, the Thunder's approach is effective, and they continue to win games.
Their greatness is undeniable. They came closer to repeating as champions than any team since the peak Golden State Warriors, defeating the Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers in Game 7s. The rivalry with the Spurs was fueled by Wembanyama's disdain for Holmgren and his desire for Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP award.
Future Outlook
When the buzzer sounded, Wembanyama celebrated emotionally, knowing the Spurs face the New York Knicks in the NBA finals. The Knicks are well-rested and on an 11-game winning streak, but for the Spurs, this victory may be the most meaningful of their journey.
