Spurs take early lead in Game 3 as injury concerns mount in Western Conference Finals
The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs remain tied 1-1 in the 2026 Western Conference Finals, with Game 3 underway in San Antonio amid significant injury uncertainty for both rosters.
The 2026 NBA Western Conference Finals series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs remains level at 1-1 as Game 3 commenced on Friday night in San Antonio. The contest has shifted south with both franchises relying heavily on their respective superstars through the opening two games of the playoff series.
Victor Wembanyama has established himself as a dominant force in the early rounds, recording 41 points and 24 rebounds in Game 1. His performance has drawn comparisons to historical benchmarks, with ESPN noting that no player has matched such statistics in the first two games of a series since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1974. Wembanyama has accumulated 62 points and 41 rebounds across the first two contests, maintaining a historic pace as the Spurs seek to take a 2-1 series lead.
On the opposing side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rebounded from a slow start in Game 1 to score 30 points, securing the Thunder’s victory in Game 2. The series has been defined by this battle of elite talent, with both players carrying significant offensive loads for their respective teams as the competition intensifies.
Injury management has emerged as a critical factor for both franchises. San Antonio guard De’Aaron Fox is managing an ankle sprain, while rookie Dylan Harper is dealing with an adductor strain. According to ESPN sources, an MRI confirmed Harper’s injury is an adductor strain rather than a hamstring issue. Harper is expected to participate in the pregame routine to determine his availability for Friday’s contest.
The Thunder face similar challenges with forward Jalen Williams aggravating a hamstring injury. Guard Ajay Mitchell is also listed as a game-time decision for Oklahoma City. As of the early stages of Game 3, San Antonio has established a 7-0 lead, with Wembanyama contributing through a three-pointer and a forced steal. The Spurs have not recorded a playoff victory since 1983, a span of 10,170 days, adding historical weight to their current performance.
