Throughout the Western Conference finals, the San Antonio Spurs leaned heavily on Victor Wembanyama, hoping his on-court magic could counter the Oklahoma City Thunder’s dominance when he sat. In a tense Game 7, Wembanyama picked up his fifth foul early in the fourth quarter, forcing him to the bench. The Spurs were leading by six, a fragile margin that could shrink quickly with Wembanyama out.
As soon as he left the court, Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein seized the moment and drilled a quick layup. This could have cut the Spurs’ lead to four, but instead, Kornet, Wembanyama’s backup, executed a stunning block. This pivotal play helped the Spurs regain momentum, and Stephon Castle followed it up with a jumper that extended their lead to eight. “That might be the play of the game right there,” Reggie Miller noted during the broadcast.
Despite his brief appearance in the fourth quarter, Kornet’s block was crucial. He returned Wembanyama to the court, where the Spurs’ youthful roster stepped up to secure a 111-103 victory. This win showed that experience isn’t everything in the playoffs.
Even though both teams boasted star talents—Wembanyama for the Spurs and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the Thunder—the depth of the rosters truly mattered. The Thunder had owned the bench battle throughout the series, often seeing their substitutes outscore the starters. They entered Game 7 with a wealth of talent, missing Jalen Williams due to injury but still managing to put together a strong roster. However, in this decisive game, only Gilgeous-Alexander delivered consistently, scoring 35 points while the rest of the starters managed only 31. By the fourth quarter, fatigue set in for him.
The Spurs, on the other hand, found contributions from multiple players. Kornet’s block, Keldon Johnson’s three-pointers, and Dylan Harper’s surprising long-range shot were just some examples of their teamwork. Wembanyama managed to play the crucial final minutes without risk, allowing his teammates to lead effectively.
A surprising twist came when the defending champions, the Thunder, were knocked out. After winning 24 out of their first 25 games this season, they were considered almost unbeatable. The Spurs, initially not seen as contenders, revealed their potential by previously defeating the Thunder.
While many argue that a healthy Thunder squad remains the league’s best, their playoff exit raises questions about key players like Gilgeous-Alexander, who struggled during this series. The Thunder’s usual strength—their defense—failed them when it mattered most.
Fan sentiments about the Thunder have soured due to their unorthodox playing style. Gilgeous-Alexander’s knack for drawing fouls has attracted criticism, making their games less enjoyable for viewers. Social media has reflected this sentiment, with fans vocalizing their frustrations about the Thunder’s methods.
Ultimately, it’s clear that the Spurs’ victory was not just about Wembanyama’s talent but also about their solid teamwork and strategic depth. The excitement now turns to the NBA finals, where the Spurs will face the New York Knicks, who are on an impressive 11-game winning streak. Although the road ahead is tough, the Spurs have shown they can rise to the occasion, ushering in a new chapter for their franchise.
For more details on the series dynamics, you can visit The Guardian’s coverage.
