Spurs dethrone Thunder in Western Conference Finals to set up Knicks showdown

The San Antonio Spurs have defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 in Game 7 to claim the 2026 Western Conference Finals, securing their first appearance in the NBA Finals since 2014. The victory sets up a championship series against the New York Knicks, which is scheduled to commence on Wednesday. The series, widely regarded as one of the most anticipated of the decade, marked the first time since the 1998 NBA Finals that two teams with 62 or more regular-season wins met in the conference finals.

Victor Wembanyama, in his third NBA season, led the Spurs to victory by effectively neutralising two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Wembanyama limited Gilgeous-Alexander’s access to the rim, forcing the Thunder star into difficult mid-range jumpers. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points in Game 7 but struggled with efficiency throughout the series, shooting 32.1 per cent in the non-restricted paint and 26.1 per cent from three-point range. The Spurs’ defence successfully contained the Thunder’s primary offensive threat, contributing to a series where the Spurs won despite Gilgeous-Alexander’s spectacular individual performance in the decider.

De’Aaron Fox provided critical support for San Antonio upon his return from a high ankle sprain. Fox, who missed the first two games of the series, scored 15 points in Game 7, with CBS Sports noting that every point was pivotal in slowing Thunder runs. His return helped stabilise the Spurs’ ball security, contrasting with the 20 turnovers committed by Stephon Castle in the games Fox missed. Fox maintained discipline throughout the series, a key factor in a team that values transition opportunities created by live-ball turnovers.

The Thunder’s campaign was significantly hampered by injuries to key shot-creators Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell. Without these players, the team struggled to generate offence when Gilgeous-Alexander was not holding the ball. Starters Chet Holmgren and Lu Dort also delivered underwhelming performances. Holmgren attempted only two field goals in Game 7, committing as many turnovers as field goal attempts, while Dort shot 20 per cent from three-point range. Oklahoma City’s offence performed more than eight points per 100 possessions worse with Dort on the floor during the first six games.

The Spurs will now face the New York Knicks in the 2026 NBA Finals. The Knicks hold a rest advantage, having faced an opponent coming off a seven-game series for the third consecutive year. New York has beaten the Spurs twice this season, including in the NBA Cup final, and has not lost to the Thunder since November 2022. The series concludes with the Knicks as underdogs, but their rest advantage and historical performance against both Western Conference finalists position them as a formidable opponent for the young Spurs squad.