Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Sends Spurs a Strong Message After Game 7 Upset
The Oklahoma City Thunder were supposed to be the team nobody wanted to face in the playoffs. On Saturday night, the San Antonio Spurs didn't get that memo.
San Antonio walked into one of the loudest arenas in the league and handled business, beating the Thunder 111-103 in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals. The Spurs never looked rattled, got contributions from up and down the roster and hit the shots that mattered most when the game was on the line.
They're heading to the NBA Finals to face the New York Knicks, with Game 1 set for Wednesday in San Antonio. It's the franchise's first Finals appearance since they won it all in 2014 and a shot at a sixth championship.
Two years ago, this same Spurs team won 22 games. On Saturday, they went into Oklahoma City, a 64-win squad's home floor, and led for most of the night. That kind of leap doesn't happen by accident.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Weighs In on San Antonio Spurs
After the loss, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was asked about the Spurs and what he sees in them going forward. SGA scored 35 points and nine assists, but it wasn't enough as Oklahoma City couldn't match San Antonio's balanced attack. His answer was as straightforward as it could get after watching the Spurs dominate them.
"They're young, they're talented, well coached, play the right way, play together, seems like they like each other, they have the makeup for sure," SGA told reporters. "You don't beat us without the makeup, and they beat us, so they have the makeup to get one."
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on what he sees in the Spurs as a potential roadblock and rival for the Thunder going forward.
— Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) May 31, 2026
"They're young, they're talented, well coached, play the right way, play together, seems like they like each other, they have the makeup for sure. You don't… pic.twitter.com/Ywm0G989u2
Victor Wembanyama capped off a dominant series by taking home Western Conference Finals MVP honors, finishing Game 7 with 22 points and seven rebounds. But this win belonged to everyone in that locker room.
De'Aaron Fox brought 15 points, five assists and three steals, consistently hitting shots every time Oklahoma City looked like it was gaining ground. Julian Champagnie put up 20 points and six rebounds.
Luke Kornet swung a pivotal moment late in the game with a chasedown block on Isaiah Hartenstein that triggered a four-point swing. Keldon Johnson buried two big threes in the fourth quarter and finished with 11 points.
San Antonio heads into the Finals as a balanced, well-coached team that's already beaten the best the West had to offer. The Knicks are next and Game 1 is just days away.
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This story was originally published May 31, 2026 at 1:21 AM.