Spurs Dethrone Thunder in Game 7 Thriller, Advance to NBA Finals Against Knicks
Led by Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals, securing their first NBA Finals berth since 2014.
The Decisive Game 7
The San Antonio Spurs, led by superstar Victor Wembanyama, defeated the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals on Saturday night. The victory in Oklahoma City secured the Spurs' first trip to the NBA Finals since 2014, where they will face the New York Knicks starting Wednesday. The Spurs won the best-of-seven series 4-3, overcoming the Thunder's home-court advantage.
So many things go into it. Sometimes it's like things you can't control, sometimes it's things you can control. Yeah, it's a hard task to do one time, so to do it twice will only make it even more challenging.
Wembanyama's Dominance and Kornet's Defining Moment
Victor Wembanyama was named MVP of the Western Conference finals, adding to a growing list of accolades that includes Defensive Player of the Year and 2024 Rookie of the Year. At just 22 years old, in his first playoff experience, he now has the opportunity to compete for his first NBA title. A pivotal moment came with 6:30 left in the fourth quarter when Spurs center Luke Kornet chased down and blocked a dunk attempt by Isaiah Hartenstein, preserving a 97-91 lead. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson called it the "biggest play of the game."
That was big. So many big-time plays, so many guys stepping up, oh my God. It's an unreal chance. My life is amazing and being with these guys, living these things with these guys that I love so, so, so much, it's amazing.
Thunder's Reign Ends Amid Injuries
The Thunder, who won 64 regular-season games to San Antonio's 62, saw their title defense fall short. Back-to-back MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points in the loss, but Oklahoma City was hampered by injuries to Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell. The Spurs had beaten the Thunder in four of five regular-season meetings and continued that dominance in the playoffs. Chet Holmgren struggled throughout the series, scoring just four points in Game 7 and shooting 38.7 percent against the Spurs in the regular season.
It always takes a little bit of luck. We were lucky last year, our team was healthy the whole time... This year, losing those two guys, it changes the dynamic of the team.
A Budding Rivalry and Coaching Changes
Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged the Spurs' makeup, calling them "young, talented, well-coached" and noting they "have the makeup to go get one." The series may mark the beginning of a long-term rivalry between two young, talented teams. Off the court, Spurs associate head coach Sean Sweeney has reached a preliminary agreement to become the new head coach of the Orlando Magic. Sweeney was credited with transforming San Antonio's defense this season.
Thrilled for Sean. He deserves it. He's had many opportunities of potentially becoming a head coach and so it was a matter of when, not if.
Celebration in San Antonio
For the first time in 12 years, the streets of San Antonio erupted in celebration. Fans decorated SUVs with club colors and photos of Wembanyama, donned alien masks referencing his nickname, and set off fireworks. The city's long-awaited return to the NBA's biggest stage is now a reality.