The Oklahoma City Thunder will face the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 Western Conference Finals after both teams dominated their playoff series. The Thunder swept the Los Angeles Lakers, while the Spurs defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Key points
Oklahoma City Thunder will face San Antonio Spurs in 2026 Western Conference Finals
Thunder swept the Los Angeles Lakers in their playoff series
Spurs defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points in the Thunder's last game
Victor Wembanyama leads the Spurs in their playoff run
Oklahoma City ThunderSan Antonio SpursShai Gilgeous-AlexanderVictor Wembanyama
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The unofficial became official. The Oklahoma City Thunder will face the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 Western Conference Finals. The two 60-win basketball machines made it clear all year that they're in their own tier from the rest of the league. Now, they're about to clash in an all-timer.
The Thunder completed another series sweep in their Game 4 win over the Los Angeles Lakers this past Monday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander closed things out with 35 points and eight assists. Since then, they've enjoyed their third impromptu min-vacation of the postseason. Those are the perks you get with a league-best record.
Meanwhile, the Spurs finally booted the Minnesota Timberwolves with a Game 6 win on Friday. Victor Wembanyama and company have so far gone through their first playoff series without much of a hitch. That's about to change in this matchup.
In their season series, the Thunder had a 1-4 record against the Spurs in five matchups. Let's look back at all five games as they prepare to battle it out in the 2026 NBA playoffs:
Q&A
What teams are competing in the 2026 Western Conference Finals?
The Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs are competing in the 2026 Western Conference Finals.
How did the Thunder reach the 2026 Western Conference Finals?
The Thunder reached the 2026 Western Conference Finals by sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in their playoff series.
Who are key players to watch in the Thunder vs Spurs matchup?
Key players to watch include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the Thunder and Victor Wembanyama for the Spurs.
What was the Spurs' playoff journey leading to the Finals?
The Spurs advanced to the Finals by defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in a six-game series.
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Dec. 13, 2025: Spurs 111, Thunder 109
Dec 13, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) blocks the shot attempt by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the third quarter at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Dec 13, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) blocks the shot attempt by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the third quarter at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The start of a disturbing two-week trend. The Thunder rode into Las Vegas at a historic 24-1 record. Talks of breaking the 73-win record were impossible to ignore. At the top of the ladder, the Spurs brought OKC back down a couple of rungs in the NBA Cup semifinals. After getting up by double-digit points, the reigning NBA champions saw their lead methodically dissipate.
Eventually, the Spurs gummed up the Thunder's offense to put up some ugly shooting splits. Gilgeous-Alexander had 29 points, but on a poorish 23 shot attempts. The rest of OKC saw its outside shooting freeze up at 24%. Just an ugly offensive game that can easily happen again as the supporting cast couldn't hit their jumpers.
Meanwhile, the Spurs had four 20-point scorers. Returning from injury, Wembanyama came off the bench. Funny enough, that curveball completely whiffed up OKC's rhythm. He was a plus-21 in 21 minutes. The other three top scorers were Stephon Castle, De'Aaron Fox and Devin Vassell. All three could pop off in any game this upcoming series.
Dec 23, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) during the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Dec 23, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) during the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
This is where things became worrisome for the Thunder. In a Festivus matchup, they were run out of the gym in the second half. The Spurs scored an eye-popping 43 points in the fourth quarter to make this a joke. It was really one of the rare times where OKC was completely outclassed in all facets of the game. You haven't really seen that from them these last two years.
The disappointing part? Gilgeous-Alexander did more than enough for the win. He had an efficient 33 points and eight assists. But nobody else from OKC's side wanted to help. Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams combined for a pedestrian 24 points on poor efficiency. They were mostly invisible.
Meanwhile, the Spurs were a scoring machine. They shot an unreal 57% from the field. San Antonio's role players were the ones who carved them up. Castle, Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes each put up 20-plus points. This is scary, man. It's one thing for Wembanyama to go nuclear. It's another when the entire Spurs team is taking turns torching your league-best defense. This can definitely happen in the series. Especially once it shifts over to Games 3 and 4.
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) dunks over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) dunks over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Christmas game that ruined everybody's holiday spirit. For years, the Thunder have clamored to be featured in the NBA's slate. And as soon as they get added, they completely lay an egg. At this point, you have to admit the Spurs had OKC's number. There's just no denying that. Maybe since the five months that's happened, things have changed. But we'll see.
It was much of the same story. The Thunder couldn't figure out the Spurs' defense. They struggled to score points. Gilgeous-Alexander only had 22 points. OKC only shot 25% from 3 as a group. They dared Alex Caruso to beat them from the outside. The plan to funnel shot attempts his way worked as he went an ugly 2-of-12 from beyond the arc. Everybody else was mostly a no-show.
For the Spurs, it was Fox's turn to have a signature moment over the Thunder. He scored an efficient 29 points. Castle helped out with 19 points. Still coming off the bench, Wembanyama completely wrecked OKC's game plan by punishing their reserves. They shot an unreal 54% from the field as San Antonio made it look super old.
Jan 13, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) goes up for a basket against San Antonio Spurs center/forward Luke Kornet (7) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Jan 13, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) goes up for a basket against San Antonio Spurs center/forward Luke Kornet (7) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Finally, some revenge. You just knew the Thunder had this one circled in their calendar. Gilgeous-Alexander ensured they'd get their lick back. He had an efficient 34 points. Williams finally joined the party with 20 points. It was the first time in four tries that they played their style of basketball on both ends. It shouldn't be a shocker that they opened this game up in the second half with a 40-point third quarter.
The Thunder were due for a good game against the Spurs and this was it. Of the five games, this is the one with the most film to break down. Castle was awesome with 20 points, but Wembanyama was mostly a non-factor. San Antonio couldn't crack the century mark despite shooting 35% from the perimeter. That means OKC dominated the interior.
It'll be interesting to see how the Thunder prioritize things defensively. They could either go all out to make Wembanayma uncomfortable or let him get his numbers but stop the rest of the Spurs. We've seen OKC lose to San Antonio under both hypotheticals. It's a tough thing to think about as they enter the Western Conference Finals as the slight favorite.
Feb 4, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) attempts to control the ball ahead of teammate forward Victor Wembanyama (1) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) during the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Feb 4, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) attempts to control the ball ahead of teammate forward Victor Wembanyama (1) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) during the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
The most forgettable of the bunch. Amid a lengthy list of injuries and a trade deadline move, the Thunder punted this game during their stretch where everybody was hurt. If you remember, Gilgeous-Alexander missed this game due to an abdominal strain. Williams had already missed time with a hamstring strain. So at that point, you gain nothing in rolling out everybody else.
Despite all that context, the Thunder saw their C squad push the Spurs to the brink. Jaylin Williams, Kenrich Williams and Aaron Wiggins combined for 69 points. That trio almost pulled off the unthinkable upset. That said, the talent gap was eventually too much to overcome. Just funny to see OKC's reserves shoot 40% from the outside. Really flexes their depth.
For the Spurs, Wembanyama had a frustrating 22 points and 14 rebounds. Johnson popped off for 25 points off the bench. Eventually, San Antonio did enough late in the game to secure the result. But San Antonio was pretty disappointed in itself that it had to go all out to beat the zombie version of the Thunder. But all that for naught. You can burn this game tape as it's pretty meaningless for their playoff series.
