The San Antonio Spurs are heading back to the NBA Finals after defeating the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, 111-103, in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals on Saturday night.
Playing on the road, San Antonio led almost wire to wire and stretched the margin to 12 points with fewer than four minutes remaining. Oklahoma City trimmed the deficit to six in the closing moments but never drew closer.
Rookie center Victor Wembanyama paced the Spurs with 22 points and seven rebounds. Forward Julian Champagnie contributed 20 points, delivering one of the most significant performances of his career.
The Thunder were powered by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who poured in 35 points and dished out nine assists. Rookie guard Cason Wallace added 17 points—14 in the fourth quarter—as Oklahoma City tried to mount a late comeback.
The result ends the Thunder’s bid for back-to-back championships and ensures the league will crown a new titleholder for the eighth consecutive season.
Awaiting San Antonio in the Finals are the New York Knicks, who swept the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals to reach their first championship series since 1999. Game 1 is set for Wednesday at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.
Source: Hoops Wire
