OKLAHOMA CITY — The San Antonio Spurs are heading back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014 after defeating the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.
Victor Wembanyama led San Antonio with 22 points and seven rebounds, while Julian Champagnie delivered a crucial 20-point performance, including six three-pointers, as the Spurs held off a late Oklahoma City push to win the West.
The victory ended the Thunder’s title defence and ensured the NBA will have a new champion for the eighth consecutive season. Oklahoma City star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league MVP, scored 35 points and added nine assists, but the Thunder struggled to find enough support, especially with Jalen Williams unavailable because of injury.
San Antonio started strongly, building an early double-digit lead before Oklahoma City responded with a 20-5 run in the second quarter. The Spurs regained control before halftime and managed the second half with composure, relying on balanced scoring, timely shooting and important defensive possessions when Wembanyama was limited by foul trouble.
The result completes a remarkable rise for the young Spurs, who have quickly returned to title contention behind Wembanyama’s emergence as one of the league’s most influential players. The NBA said Wembanyama earned Western Conference Finals MVP after leading San Antonio through the seven-game series.
For the Spurs, the win revives memories of the franchise’s championship era under Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginóbili and Gregg Popovich. Their last Finals appearance came in 2014, when they defeated the Miami Heat to win the title.
San Antonio will now face the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals, creating a rematch of the 1999 championship series, which the Spurs won for the first title in franchise history. Game 1 is scheduled for Wednesday in San Antonio.
For Oklahoma City, the defeat ends a strong but ultimately disappointing campaign. The Thunder entered the postseason as defending champions but could not overcome injuries and San Antonio’s depth in the deciding game.
For the Spurs, the Western Conference title marks the start of a new era — one led by Wembanyama and a young roster now four wins away from an NBA championship.
