As the 2026 NBA playoffs heat up, basketball fans are in for a treat: the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs—two 60-win juggernauts—are set to collide in the Western Conference Finals. It's a matchup that's been brewing all season, and now it's finally official. Let's lace up and take a trip down memory lane, revisiting five regular-season battles that set the stage for this epic showdown.
The Thunder cruised into the postseason with momentum, sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's masterful 35-point, eight-assist performance. That win earned them another well-deserved mini-vacation—perks of posting the league's best record. Meanwhile, the Spurs closed out the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games, with Victor Wembanyama and company looking sharp. But their smooth playoff ride is about to hit a serious speed bump.
If the regular season is any guide, the Thunder have their work cut out. They went just 1-4 against the Spurs in five matchups, a stat that's sure to fuel the narrative. Let's break down those games, starting with a turning point that shook the league.
Game 1: The NBA Cup Wake-Up Call
The Thunder rolled into Las Vegas with a historic 24-1 record, and whispers of breaking the 73-win mark were everywhere. Then the Spurs brought them back to earth in the NBA Cup semifinals. After building a double-digit lead, OKC watched it slip away as San Antonio's defense clamped down. Gilgeous-Alexander still managed 29 points, but it came on a rough 23 shots, and the rest of the team went ice-cold from deep, shooting just 24%. It was an ugly offensive night that could easily repeat if the supporting cast can't find their range.
On the flip side, the Spurs had four players score 20-plus points. Wembanyama, returning from injury, came off the bench—a curveball that threw OKC's rhythm completely off. He posted a plus-21 in just 21 minutes, while Stephon Castle, De'Aaron Fox, and Devin Vassell joined him in the scoring parade. It was a statement win that set the tone for the season series.
As these two titans prepare to clash, the Thunder will need to find answers for a Spurs team that has their number. Will OKC's star power prevail, or will San Antonio's depth and defense reign supreme? The 2026 Western Conference Finals are shaping up to be an all-timer. Grab your Thunder and Spurs gear, and get ready for a showdown that's been a year in the making.