The Western Conference Finals are set, with the Oklahoma City Thunder facing the San Antonio Spurs. The Thunder, who had an NBA-best 64 victories during the regular season, are the defending champions. The Spurs, however, are looking to start talks of their own rule by dethroning the Thunder.
Intriguing Matchup Ahead
The Spurs’ success against the Thunder during the regular season adds intrigue to their upcoming matchup in the Western Conference Finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder lost 18 games on their way to 64 victories during the 2025-26 regular season. Four of those losses were against the San Antonio Spurs.
Beating a team in the regular season is one thing, but winning four of seven against Oklahoma City is different. The playoffs bring a different dynamic with the ups and downs of each possession, quarter, half, game, and series.
Key Players to Watch
Several players from both teams have received accolades. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won Kia MVP in 2024-25. Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama are MVP candidates in 2025-26. All-NBA performers include Gilgeous-Alexander in previous seasons and likely Gilgeous-Alexander, Wembanyama and Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren this season. Wembanyama is the Kia Defensive Player of the Year. Spurs’ Keldon Johnson is the Kia Sixth Man of the Year this season.
Coaches have also been recognised. Mark Daigneault of Oklahoma City won Coach of the Year in 2023-24. Mitch Johnson of San Antonio is a Coach of the Year finalist in 2025-26.
Thunder’s Depth a Factor
Oklahoma City’s depth, with a 10-deep rotation, overwhelmed the Phoenix Suns in the first round and the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals. The Thunder’s starters have a plus-11.3 points per 100 possessions net rating. Their reserves’ net rating is plus-7.8 points per 100 possessions in the playoffs.
The Thunder have played 10 guys at least 10 minutes per game, not including Jalen Williams. Nine average at least 6.5 points in the playoffs. Gilgeous-Alexander averages 29.1 points and 7.1 assists per game, Holmgren averages 18.6 points and 9.1 rebounds. Ajay Mitchell is a breakout star averaging 18.8 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game.
- Jared McCain and Wallace are shooting better than 46% on 3-pointers.
- Mitchell, Holmgren, Dort, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams are at least 36% from that range.
- Isaiah Hartenstein is averaging 9.9 points and 8.8 rebounds and is shooting 75.6%.
Game 1 is set for Monday in Oklahoma City. The defending champion Thunder are a potential dynasty in an era when no team has repeated since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018.