Thunder, Spurs Open Western Conference Finals on Monday
thunder-spurs-open-western-conference-finals
The Western Conference’s marquee matchup tips off Monday as the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder face the surging San Antonio Spurs for a berth in the 2025-26 NBA Finals.
Why Oklahoma City enters as the favorite
• Regular season: league-best 64-18 record
• Playoffs: 8–0 after sweeping the Suns and Lakers
• Rankings: No. 1 in defensive rating (106.5), No. 7 in offensive rating (117.6), NBA-leading net rating (+11.1)
Two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander directs a deep rotation that also features All-Stars Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams. Rookie guard Ajay Mitchell is averaging 18.8 points this postseason, while Jared McCain, Isaiah Joe, Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, Luguentz Dort, and Jaylin Williams supply additional scoring and defensive versatility.
San Antonio’s case for an upset
• Regular season: 62 wins, 30-4 record over the final 34 games
• Playoffs: 8–3, with two losses occurring when Victor Wembanyama left early
• Head-to-head: Spurs took four of five meetings, including three double-digit victories
Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama finished third in MVP voting and anchored a +17.0 regular-season net rating that has climbed to +21.9 in the playoffs. Rookie guard Stephon Castle (19.9 PPG, 6.1 APG, .490/.440/.797) headlines a balanced supporting cast that includes De’Aaron Fox (18.8 PPG), Dylan Harper (13.7 PPG), Devin Vassell (12.5 PPG), and Julian Champagnie (10.9 PPG, .452 3PT). Sixth Man of the Year Keldon Johnson delivered 21 points in Game 5 of the second round against Minnesota.
What’s at stake
Oklahoma City seeks a return trip to the NBA Finals and a chance to defend its title, while San Antonio aims for its first Finals appearance since 2014. Game 1 will be played Monday at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Source: Hoops Rumors
