The Thunder tipped their cap to the Spurs after a disappointing Game 7 loss on Saturday night and set out to "try to get over the hump" against a team that looms as a long-term roadblock.
The Thunder tipped their cap to the Spurs after a disappointing Game 7 loss on Saturday night and set out to "try to get over the hump" against a team that looms as a long-term roadblock.
Tim MacMahonMay 31, 2026, 01:58 AM ETCloseJoined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009Covers the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas MavericksAppears regularly on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM
Tim MacMahonMay 31, 2026, 01:58 AM ET
Joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009
Covers the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks
Appears regularly on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM
OKLAHOMA CITY -- A team that looms as a long-term roadblock ended the Oklahoma City Thunder's hopes of repeating as NBA champions.
The first of what could be several playoff series between these talented, young Western Conference powers ended with Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs celebrating on the Paycom Center court after advancing to the NBA Finals with a 111-103 win over the Thunder in Saturday's Game 7.
Despite dealing with a series of key injuries throughout the season, the Thunder again had the NBA's best record at 64-18. But the 62-20 Spurs were a thorn in the Thunder's side, winning four of the five regular-season matchups between the teams and eliminating Oklahoma City in the NBA Cup semifinals and again in the West finals.
"They're young, they're talented, well coached, play the right way, play together, seems like they like each other," said back-to-back MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had his best performance of the series with 35 points and nine assists to give Oklahoma City a chance in Game 7. "They have the makeup for sure. You don't beat us without the makeup, and we're here. They got the makeup to go get [a championship].
Averytin News NBA update.