The Oklahoma City Thunder, the Western Conference’s top seed and defending NBA champions, are facing the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference finals of the 2026 NBA playoffs.
These two franchises last met in the postseason a decade ago. In 2016, the Kevin Durant/Russell Westbrook/James Harden-led Thunder defeated the Spurs in Tim Duncan’s last playoff series.
Thunder’s Strategy Beyond Gilgeous-Alexander
The Thunder are more than just the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander show. In the second round, the Lakers tried to limit the reigning MVP with Marcus Smart as the primary defender. Los Angeles attempted to contain Gilgeous-Alexander, who is now a two-time award winner.
Through three games, the Lakers’ strategy kinda worked, “holding” Gilgeous-Alexander to 63 points on 48 shots and forcing 12 turnovers.
Oklahoma City worked in reverse when Los Angeles tried to shift its offense from Luka Dončić to LeBron James. Less Gilgeous-Alexander meant more touches for Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain and Chet Holmgren.
These players are multi-faceted options capable of initiating offense, sustaining runs with quality shooting and putting pressure on defenses.
The Thunder are rooted in efficiency, working smarter and not harder. They attempt the fewest passes per game but average a shade off the most assists in the playoffs thus far.
Spurs’ Defensive Challenge
San Antonio is a much more capable defensive unit than Los Angeles. Their hopes for an upset must involve cutting off the water supply to the Thunder’s various roots, not simply the base.
This includes All-NBA guard Jalen Williams, who is healthy enough to return.
Wembanyama and the Spurs’ Guard-Centric Attack
Victor Wembanyama remains the straw that stirs the drink. Their guard-centric attack is getting better with time, reps and experience.
Think of the Spurs — or the triumvirate of De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper in particular — as three starter Pokémon, all with individual strengths and weaknesses. Fox’s best quality is his speed, Castle’s is his s
Key Series Details
- Game 1: Monday at Oklahoma City
- Game 2: Wednesday at Oklahoma City
- Game 3: Friday at San Antonio
The Thunder have outscored opponents by 59 points over the course of nearly 200 possessions and 100 minutes of non-Gilgeous-Alexander time in the playoffs.