SAN ANTONIO Spurs completed one of the biggest surprises of the NBA postseason after eliminating defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, 111-103, in Game 7 of the NBA Western Conference Finals on Saturday night (Sunday in the Philippines) in Oklahoma City.
Led by Victor Wembanyama, who tallied a team-high 22 points, the Spurs overcame the challenge of a winner-take-all game on the road to secure their first NBA Finals appearance since 2014.
Julian Champagnie provided a major boost from long range, scoring 20 points, Stephon Castle added 16 points, De’Aaron Fox contributed 15, and Fil-Am rookie Dylan Harper chipped in 12. Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell scored 11 points apiece.
“This feeling, I can’t explain it,” Wembanyama said. “It’s so powerful.”
The victory capped a remarkable turnaround for San Antonio, which entered the series as an underdog against the top-seeded Thunder but managed to win four of the seven games.
“Back in October, we knew we had a chance to be pretty good,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said.
The Spurs carried an 80-77 lead entering the final quarter and gradually created separation as Oklahoma City struggled to keep pace.
A crucial defensive play came midway through the fourth period when reserve center Luke Kornet blocked Isaiah Hartenstein’s attempt at the rim during a fast break, preventing the Thunder from cutting the deficit to a single possession.
Oklahoma City was led by NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who recorded 35 points and nine assists. Cason Wallace scored 17 points, while Jared McCain and Alex Caruso added 12 each.
Unlike the previous four games in the series, which were largely decided before the final quarter, Game 7 remained close throughout. The Spurs built double-digit leads in the first half and third quarter, but the Thunder repeatedly battled back to keep the contest within reach.
“The players did what they’ve been doing all year and they met the biggest moment,” Johnson said.
San Antonio ultimately won eight of its 12 meetings against Oklahoma City this season, including the most important one, ending the Thunder’s title defense and ensuring that the NBA will crown a new champion for the eighth straight year.
The Spurs will now face the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals, with Game 1 set for Wednesday (Thursday in the Philippines) in San Antonio. This was a rematch of the NBA Cup last December, won by the Knicks.
“We want four more,” Wembanyama said. “We’re not done.”/PN
