They weren’t supposed to be here. Yet, against all odds, the San Antonio SPURS are heading to the NBA Finals.
In a thrilling close-out game, the underdogs officially shattered the Oklahoma City Thunder’s dreams of a back-to-back title, securing a gritty 111-103 victory in the Conference Finals.
While OKC entered the series as heavy favorites, San Antonio’s balanced, fearless attack ultimately ground the champions down.
- Victor Wembanyama was his usual deadly self, anchoring the Spurs with a cold-blooded 22 points and 7 rebounds, while terrorizing the Thunder in the paint.
- Julian Champagnie stepped up as the X-factor, catching fire for a crucial 20 points.
- Rookie guard Stephon Castle showed poise beyond his years, chipping in 16 points of relentless perimeter play.
- De’Aaron Fox steady-handed the offense, orchestrating the floor and adding 15 points of his own.
The Thunder did not go quietly into the night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put on a masterclass, pacing OKC with a blistering 35 points. However, SGA found himself on an island. The Spurs’ defense suffocated the Thunder’s supporting cast—most notably holding Chet Holmgren in check, leaving OKC without the secondary firepower needed to survive San Antonio’s onslaught.
Now, the Silver and Black face their final, most daunting test: the New York Knicks.
The Knicks enter the NBA Finals as the slight favorites, and for good reason. They have absolutely shellacked every single team in their path throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs. They are brutal, cohesive, and riding an incredible wave of momentum.
But Vegas lines and playoff history don’t account for an anomaly.
With a roaring supporting cast peak-performing at the exact right time and a generational superstar leading the charge, the underdogs have all the teeth they need.
The Pick: Knicks in seven? Think again. Spurs in 6 to win the NBA Championship.