Spurs halt Thunder’s playoff streak with double-overtime Western Conference Finals win
The second-seeded Spurs defeated the top-seeded Thunder 122-115 at the Paycom Center, marking the fifth victory for San Antonio against Oklahoma City in six meetings this season.
The San Antonio Spurs have taken a 1-0 lead in the 2026 NBA Western Conference Finals after defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 122-115 in double overtime on Monday night. The victory, secured at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, halted the Thunder’s nine-game playoff winning streak, which had extended back to Game 7 of the previous season.
Victor Wembanyama was the decisive factor for San Antonio, recording 41 points and 24 rebounds in 49 minutes of play. His performance made him only the second player in Spurs franchise history to achieve over 40 points and 20 rebounds in a playoff game, joining David Robinson. Wembanyama sealed the victory in the final minute of double overtime with a dunk that resulted in a three-point play, followed by another dunk to extend the lead to 120-114.
Oklahoma City’s Alex Caruso contributed 31 points off the bench in 32 minutes, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 24 points after playing the entire game. The Spurs’ defensive intensity in the closing moments of regulation and double overtime proved critical, with Wembanyama blocking a Jaylen Williams dunk with 17.9 seconds remaining in the second overtime period to preserve the lead.
This matchup highlights a significant generational shift in the league. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the combined average age of the two teams' players, weighted for playing time, is 25.5, the youngest in conference finals history since 1970. The Spurs advanced to this stage by sweeping the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round and defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games.
The Thunder, who are beginning their title defence, swept the Los Angeles Lakers 115-110 in their previous series. This result marks the fifth win for San Antonio against Oklahoma City in six meetings this season, giving the Spurs early momentum in the best-of-seven series.
