COLUMN: 3 reasons why the Spurs will beat the Thunder in Game 7 of West Finals
Alta Sports2 days ago · 459 views
Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images
By Joel Reyes
The stage is set for an epic conclusion to the 2026 Western Conference Finals, with the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder squaring off in Game 7 on Sunday (PH time) at Paycom Center.
Alta Sports looks at three reasons why the Spurs will win the series decider on the road and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014.
1) Wemby will deliver a monster performance in his first-ever Game 7
Victor Wembanyama was under pressure to deliver in Game 6 after he produced a dud in Game 5 at Oklahoma City. The Frenchman answered the call, recording 28 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 assists, and 2 steals to lead the Spurs to a dominant 118-91 victory over the Thunder.
Now, a first-ever Game 7 awaits the generational talent with a spot in the NBA Finals at stake in the winner-take-all contest. Wemby has already proven that he can wreak havoc at OKC’s home court, destroying the Thunder in Game 1 of the West Finals with 41 points and 24 rebounds. He needs the same kind of performance in Game 7 for San Antonio to book another Finals berth.
2) Stephon Castle has been playing solid basketball alongside De’Aaron Fox
Having De’Aaron Fox back in the Spurs’ lineup has been a huge help for Stephon Castle, whose play has improved with the veteran guard in the rotation once more. In the two games that the Spurs have played without Fox in the West Finals, Castle has recorded 19 assists and a whopping 20 turnovers.
Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images
Castle looked more composed with Fox back to his point guard role, recording 28 assists and just six turnovers in the four games they have played together in the series against OKC. San Antonio will need to limit its mistakes in Game 7 for them to have a chance of stealing the road win.
3) The Spurs’ defense is locked in heading into Game 7
The Spurs’ defense stepped up in Game 6, holding the Thunder to just 91 points in their blowout victory. OKC shot just 37% from the field, including 10-of-40 from beyond the arc for a woeful 25% shooting clip from deep.
The Spurs made it a point to limit Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s production, with the back-to-back MVP scoring just 15 points on 6-for-18 shooting in Game 6. They gave SGA different looks on the defensive end, with the length and size of the Spurs’ guards proving hard to solve for the OKC star in Game 6.
With Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell both sidelined for Game 7, the Spurs can pay even more attention to stopping Gilgeous-Alexander in the winner-take-all showdown.
All comments 11
PapaJun Domingo S. Santos III
Solid defense is the key to game seven,who ever has defended well will dictate the tempo and will produce a good offense.💪🏻💪🏻2 days agoReply
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Antonio Chong
OKC is better, but Wemby makes any spread scary.2 days agoReply
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Dennis Lao
spurs are gonna crush the thunder2 days agoReply
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Hater Report
Although the Spurs have performed well, in this game, the Thunder is undoubtedly the more likely winner. They have home court advantage and their bench players are also stronger.2 days agoReply
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Tony Parker
As long as the referees are normal, the Thunder has no chance of defeating the Spurs.2 days agoReply
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Jet Levalib
If the refs wont favor the call to SGA spurs will beat them.2 days agoReply
0Jayson S Alfornon
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0John Eduard Mendoza
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0Louise Anthony Alvaro
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