Western Conference Finals: Thunder and Spurs Set for Historic Showdown
Oklahoma City enters as undefeated reigning champions, while San Antonio holds regular season advantage and awaits Jalen Williams’ return
The NBA Western Conference Finals commence on Monday with Game 1 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs, marking the first time two 62-win teams have faced each other in a playoff series since the 1998 NBA Finals. The collision follows a rivalry that began in December 2025, when San Antonio defeated Oklahoma City three times in 12 days, establishing a competitive dynamic that has defined the current postseason landscape.
Both franchises advanced comfortably through the first two rounds of the playoffs, with the Thunder maintaining an undefeated 8-0 record and the Spurs demonstrating mental resilience after a tough series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The series features two primary narratives: Victor Wembanyama seeking his first NBA Finals appearance in his third season, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander defending his championship title and standing as a two-time MVP.
The 2025-26 MVP award is likely to be presented prior to the first tip-off, with Gilgeous-Alexander and Wembanyama as the finalists. This individual accolade adds immediate weight to the opening game, as the winner of the series is expected to enter the NBA Finals as heavy favourites and establish themselves as the league-wide alpha.
A significant factor for the Thunder is the anticipated return of forward Jalen Williams, who missed six games due to a left hamstring strain sustained in the first round. His availability introduces uncertainty regarding Oklahoma City’s offensive structure, particularly given the increased intensity of playoff basketball compared to the regular season.
San Antonio holds a 4-1 advantage from the regular season series, a record that suggests the Thunder have not yet found a definitive solution to neutralising Wembanyama’s impact on the rim. While Oklahoma City’s offence relies heavily on Gilgeous-Alexander’s rim pressure, analysts note that Wembanyama is well-positioned to counter this strategy, potentially forcing the Thunder into trial and error with five-out lineups.
CBS Sports analysts have predicted the Spurs will win Game 1, taking the points at +6.5. The prediction cites the Spurs’ regular season success and concerns over Williams’ fitness as key indicators, despite the Thunder’s momentum as reigning champions. The Western Conference is widely predicted to dominate the NBA title race, with this series serving as the primary determinant of the conference’s representative.
