Spurs Head to NBA Finals After Game 7 Victory

The San Antonio Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama, secured a place in the NBA Finals after defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 in Game 7. The victory marks the end of the Thunder’s reign as champions and propels the Spurs to the finals for the first time since 2014. Wembanyama contributed 22 points in the win, while Julian Champagnie added 18 from 3-pointers.

Stephon Castle scored 16 points for the Spurs, and De’Aaron Fox had 15 points. Dylan Harper chipped in 12 points, with Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell each adding 11. The Spurs will host the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson reflected on the team’s journey, noting the potential seen as early as October.

“Back in October, we knew we had a chance to be pretty good,” he said. “Correction — the Spurs have a chance to be great. Championship-level great.”

A pivotal moment occurred in the fourth quarter when Luke Kornet blocked a fast-break attempt, which could have allowed the Thunder to close the gap. Although Kornet did not score many points, his block was crucial in maintaining the Spurs’ lead.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points and nine assists. Cason Wallace scored 17 points, while Jared McCain and Alex Caruso each had 12 for Oklahoma City. Despite the Thunder’s efforts, the Spurs maintained control in the decisive fourth quarter. Mark Daigneault, the Thunder coach, acknowledged the learning experience and the resilience needed in the NBA.

The series had seen decisive quarter leads, but the final game offered a more balanced contest. The Spurs led by as many as 14 in the first half and 11 in the third quarter, but the Thunder made multiple comebacks. Ultimately, the Spurs managed to pull away in the final quarter.

“The players did what they’ve been doing all year and they met the biggest moment,” Johnson said.

Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on the challenges of winning an NBA championship repeatedly. Despite eight wins in 12 meetings against the Thunder this season, Wembanyama emphasized that the team’s work is not yet complete.

“We want four more,” Wembanyama stated. “We’re not done.”