Spurs Topple Thunder in Thrilling Game 7, Ending Reigning Champions' Run
In a dramatic Game 7 of the Western Conference finals, the San Antonio Spurs stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 111-103 victory, showcasing the unpredictability of playoff basketball. The pivotal moment came when Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs' star, was sidelined due to foul trouble, allowing the Thunder's Isaiah Hartenstein a chance to cut the lead. However, Luke Kornet’s crucial block changed the momentum, leading to a four-point swing that proved to be the turning point, as noted by commentator Reggie Miller. Throughout the series, the Thunder's depth had been their strength, often outscoring their starters. Yet in this decisive game, only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shined, scoring 35 points, while the rest of the starters managed just 31 combined. The Spurs, in contrast, benefited from contributions across the board, with Keldon Johnson and Dylan Harper stepping up with key three-pointers, and Julian Champagnie finding his shooting touch. The elimination of the defending champions is shocking, considering the Thunder's dominant start to the season, winning 24 of 25 games. Despite their struggles in this series, they remain a formidable force, with the potential to return even stronger next season. The criticism directed at Gilgeous-Alexander for his foul-drawing tactics has intensified, yet his team's effectiveness cannot be denied. As the Spurs celebrate their triumph, Wembanyama's emotional reaction highlighted the significance of this victory. With the New York Knicks awaiting in the NBA finals, the Spurs now aim to build on this momentum, while the Thunder, despite their exit, have left a lasting impression as one of the league's elite teams.
Source: The Guardian Sport - 2026-05-31