By Matija Šerić
It is over. What most basketball fans were hoping for has happened – the San Antonio Spurs have defeated the defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder 4–3 in the Western Conference Finals series. For the eighth consecutive year, we will have a new NBA champion. For many, Oklahoma has been a “thorn in the side” due to allegedly biased officiating and at times dirty play from players such as Luguentz Dort. Because of that, public opinion in the U.S. and worldwide was on the side of the attractive Spurs led by Victor Wembanyama. The wishes of the “haters” of the reigning champions were granted when, on the night from Saturday to Sunday, San Antonio defeated Oklahoma 111:103 at Paycom Center. It was a spectacular game worthy of a Game 7 status.
Brilliant start by the Spurs
Oklahoma had a strategic advantage as they led 2–1 and 3–2 in the series, but the Spurs kept coming back and the series reached a seventh game. The Thunder had home-court advantage, which is a factor that should not be ignored. However, it was not decisive. From the start of the first quarter, it was clear that the young Spurs, for most of whom this was their first NBA playoff experience, intended to win at all costs. Wemby, Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, and Julian Champagnie were “punching through” the Thunder defense, scoring confidently from the paint, mid-range, and beyond the three-point line. Devin Vassell and Castle were particularly inspired (drives + shooting) and once again proved to be an excellent duo. After seven minutes, the Spurs led by 14 points.
SGA stabilizes the result
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alex Caruso, and Jared McCain kept the home team in the game, and by the end of the first quarter they reduced the visitors’ lead to 32:25. The Thunder won the second quarter 28:24, mainly thanks to SGA, who scored from all positions, and Cason Wallace, who got a chance in the starting lineup. A three-point lead at halftime, 56:53 for the visitors, was not significant.
San Antonio’s machine did not black out
Unlike many playoff games this year, the third quarter did not decide the game, as it ended 24:24. Apart from the two superstars SGA and Wemby, Caruso and Vassell stood out the most with their finishing, passing, and positioning at the right time in the right place. It was clear that the fourth quarter would be decisive, perhaps even a single shot. It almost turned out that way.
The Spurs maintained their lead throughout the final quarter. Responsibility was also taken by the reserves Dylan Harper (rookie) and Keldon Johnson, who hit important three-pointers, deep two-pointers, and layups. The key moment came eight minutes before the end when San Antonio went up 97:86. They maintained that lead until the end. Crucial was that at 107:101, SGA missed a three-pointer with 1:25 remaining. Had he scored, the visitors would have been down by only three points. On the next possession, after a missed shot by Champagnie, Castle grabbed the rebound and finished with a layup for 109:101. That was the end of the story.
Team effort worthy of an NBA Finals appearance
Wemby was brilliant with 22 points and seven rebounds. Three three-pointers, one steal, and one block once again showed his vast basketball knowledge. However, this was a true team victory for the Spurs. Seven players scored in double figures. Champagnie scored 20 (six threes), Castle 16, Fox 15, Vassell 11. From the bench, Johnson and Harper were important with a combined 23 points. Harper was fantastic, adding seven rebounds and three assists to his 12 points. In addition, five Spurs players had six or more rebounds, four players had at least three assists, and two players (Vassell and Fox) had at least two steals.
SGA lacked sufficient support
Although he played a phenomenal game with 35 points, nine assists, and four rebounds (he was everywhere on the court), it turned out that SGA could not win the game alone. He did not have enough support from his teammates. Wallace helped most with 17 points, followed by Caruso and McCain with 12 each. However, centers Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren completely underperformed with only 11 points and nine rebounds combined. Wemby completely neutralized them and showed that he is the only player in the league who has found an answer to the Thunder’s frontcourt duo. An important factor in Oklahoma’s elimination were injuries to Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell, both of whom did not play this Game 7 or much of the series. This must be taken into account.
Matchup – the deciding factor
Both teams shot 45% from the field, but the difference was made by three-point shooting: the Spurs made 17 threes compared to the home team’s 12. The Thunder had two more turnovers (14:12), a minor indicator that did not ultimately decide the game. It is clear that the matchup was decisive. In 12 games this season, San Antonio won eight, while Oklahoma won only four. The phenomenon of Wembanyama + the Castle–Vassell tandem proved to be the factor that destroyed the reigning champions.
Spurs’ excitement ahead of the big Finals
“I can’t explain this feeling. It’s so powerful. We want four more wins. We’re not done,” said Wemby after the game. “Back in October, we knew we had a chance to be a pretty good team,” said Spurs coach Mitch Johnson, adding: “The players did what they’ve been doing all year and responded to the biggest challenge at the most important moment.”
Johnson, Wemby, and the rest are not satisfied with just reaching the NBA Finals; they want to beat the New York Knicks. In the Finals they will be favorites and will have home-court advantage. It will be a rematch of the NBA Cup final from December and a chance for the Spurs to avenge their 124:113 loss to the Knicks. The Knicks and Spurs also met in the 1999 NBA Finals, when San Antonio won the series 4–1. The Spurs have been waiting for a title since 2014, while the Knicks last won in 1973. In the coming days, we will see whether the Spurs’ youthful, free-flowing style (most players are under 25) or the Knicks’ experienced system will bring the championship.
