NBA Western Conference Finals Preview: OKC Thunder and San Antonio Spurs Continue a Staple Rivalry

The fans got what they wanted. The experts got their preferred matchup. The media has willed it into existence. In the 2026 NBA Western Conference Finals, it is a battle between the absolute best the league has to offer. In another case of the fan favorite “Finals before the Finals,” it is the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, against the San Antonio Spurs and their Defensive Player of the Year, Victor Wembanyama. Is this a 7 game series? Will Wemby get one over his rival, Chet Holmgren? Can the Spurs do what everyone wishes and stop OKC’s dynasty before it begins? Let’s discuss so that you can utilize your knowledge and tactics at Stake sportsbook and its many NBA Playoffs markets. 

Previewing the Series 

The 2026 Western Conference Finals between the SA Spurs and the OKC Thunder feels like the beginning of the NBA’s next big rivalry, while also being a continuation of an old one. Oklahoma entered the playoffs as the defending champions and the West’s top seed at 64-18, then stormed through the postseason undefeated by sweeping both Phoenix and the Lakers. San Antonio, meanwhile, finished 62-20 and knocked out Portland in five games before eliminating Minnesota in six games to reach its first conference finals since 2017. Amazingly, and most importantly for this WCF, the Spurs actually won four of five regular season meetings against OKC, adding even more intrigue to a matchup many already consider the “real Finals.” 

Everything starts with Victor Wembanyama, who has dominated these playoffs on both ends while cementing himself as a top three player in the world. Wembanyama has controlled games with elite scoring, rebounding, and rim protection, while also forcing Oklahoma to rethink its spacing and paint attack. Stephon Castle has arguably become the breakout star of the postseason after his 32 point closeout masterpiece against Minnesota, and rookie Dylan Harper has looked fearless as a secondary creator beside De’Aaron Fox. Around them, the Spurs suddenly have one of the league’s deepest supporting casts. Devin Vassell gives San Antonio perimeter scoring and defense, and Keldon Johnson brings instant offense and physicality off the bench. At the same time, veteran champion Harrison Barnes provides stability, shooting, and playoff experience for an otherwise incredibly young roster. 

The Thunder counters with the league’s most polished and deepest core, a collection of two starting fives. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has continued his MVP level dominance, averaging over 30 points during the playoffs while controlling tempo and constantly collapsing defenses. Chet Holmgren has been outstanding as a weak side shot blocker and floor spacer, and is about to create one of the most fascinating individual matchups the NBA has seen in years against Wemby. Emerging guard Ajay Mitchell has become a genuine X factor after exploding against the Lakers, giving Oklahoma City another downhill scorer besides Shai and Jalen Williams (injured). The Thunder also possesses perhaps the league’s best collection of role players. Isaiah Hartenstein controls the glass and brings physical interior play, Lu Dort and Alex Caruso remain two of basketball’s premier perimeter defenders and hustlers, and this season’s addition, sniper Jared McCain, has added another dangerous shooting threat to an already elite offense.

For SAS, winning this series would signal the official arrival of the post Duncan era and validate the franchise’s rebuild around Wembanyama, Castle, and Harper far earlier than expected. It would also establish Mitch Johnson as the latest successful extension of the Gregg Popovich coaching tree. For Oklahoma City, another Finals trip would confirm that last season’s championship was not a one year breakthrough but the start of a modern dynasty built around SGA and Holmgren. Either way, this series feels bigger than a normal conference finals. It looks like the start of a rivalry that could define the Western Conference for the next decade. 

What Happened Last Time?

Their playoff history produced some of the defining Western Conference battles of the 2010s. Their first major clash came in the 2012 Western Conference Finals, when the young Thunder defeated the veteran Spurs in six games after San Antonio had opened the series with a 20 game winning streak overall. Oklahoma City was led by Kevin Durant, who averaged 29.5 points per game in the series, while Russell Westbrook added 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists per game. James Harden also played a massive role off the bench before his eventual trade. Gregg Popovich leaned on the legendary trio of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili. Parker averaged over 21 points and 6 assists in the series, but Oklahoma City’s athleticism and transition attack under coach Scott Brooks eventually overwhelmed San Antonio.

The teams met again in the 2014 WCF, this time with the Spurs getting revenge in six games on their way to an NBA championship. San Antonio’s offense was at its beautiful peak during that postseason run, with Parker averaging 17 points and 4 assists against Oklahoma City while Duncan continued to anchor the defense at age 38. Ginobili provided veteran shot creation, and a rising Kawhi Leonard emerged as one of the league’s elite two way players. Durant was sensational once again for the Thunder, averaging nearly 26 points per game after winning league MVP that season, while Westbrook posted explosive all around numbers with 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists per game. Injuries also played a role, as OKC starting PF Serge Ibaka missed part of the series. Popovich’s ball movement and depth ultimately outclassed the Thunder, who relied heavily on isolation scoring.

Their last playoff meeting before the current era came in the 2016 Western Conference Semifinals, another intense six game series won by Oklahoma City. Durant averaged close to 29 points and 7 rebounds, while Westbrook nearly averaged a triple double with 26, 11, and 7. The Thunder also received enormous contributions from Ibaka and Steven Adams in the frontcourt. San Antonio entered the matchup after a dominant 67 win season, but the aging core struggled to keep up physically. Leonard was outstanding, averaging more than 22 points while defending Durant for stretches, and LaMarcus Aldridge delivered several huge scoring performances early in the series. Popovich and Thunder coach Billy Donovan engaged in a fascinating tactical battle, with Donovan’s aggressive rebounding schemes and pace helping Oklahoma advance.

Wemby VS Chet is Becoming Historic 

The rivalry between Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren has been building for years, long before either player officially entered the NBA. Both arrived as unusually tall and skinny prospects with guard like mobility, elite shot blocking instincts, and perimeter skills that challenged traditional ideas about what seven footers could do on a basketball court. Wembanyama stands around 7 foot 4 while Holmgren is listed near 7 foot 1, yet both handle the ball comfortably, shoot from deep, protect the rim, and thrive in transition. 

Naturally, because of these similarities, basketball fans and scouts constantly compared them during their teenage years, often debating which player had the higher ceiling. Everyone’s wish became a reality now that they are one of the best rivalries in the modern game of basketball, something the league has desperately been missing for at least a decade. Their unique frames and versatile styles also sparked conversations about durability and whether the league had ever seen two prospects with this combination of size and skill entering the NBA at nearly the same time. Safe to say, it has not. 

Their connection became even more interesting through international competition before the NBA. Holmgren represented the United States at youth tournaments, while Wembanyama starred for France in FIBA events. One of the most memorable moments came during the 2021 FIBA Under 19 World Cup final, where Holmgren and Team USA defeated Wembanyama’s France squad. Even in defeat, Wembanyama impressed scouts with his shot blocking, touch, and defensive range against elite competition. Wemby took the loss hard, as he always does, and it seems that it is still in his mind whenever he plays the Thunder now.

That game became an early preview of what many believed would become a defining rivalry for the next generation of basketball. Although Holmgren was drafted in 2022 by the Oklahoma City Thunder and Wembanyama arrived a year later with the San Antonio Spurs, injuries and timing made them feel like members of the same rookie class. Holmgren missed the entire 2022-23 season because of a foot injury, so both players effectively began their NBA journeys as rookies in 2023-24, immediately drawing comparisons in the Rookie of the Year race. It was a perfect storm for the narrative to continue and shape the careers of both unicorns. The 2026 WCF will surely help define the winner’s career thus far in terms of this rivalry. 

Fast forward a few seasons, and right now, Wembanyama holds the stronger collection of individual accolades, though Holmgren has helped lead a more successful team early in his career. Wembanyama won the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year award after posting historic numbers as a scorer, rebounder, and shot blocker for San Antonio. He also earned All Defensive First Team honors and quickly became viewed as one of the league’s most dominant defensive players. He also narrowly missed two Defensive Player of the Year awards, finally winning it in 2026. He has two All Star selections and has led the league in blocks three times.

Holmgren finished second in ROY voting but still enjoyed an outstanding debut season, helping Oklahoma City become a top contender in the West. His efficient scoring, rim protection, and floor spacing made him a perfect fit alongside reigning Finals and League MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. While Wembanyama currently owns the bigger individual résumé, Holmgren’s team success keeps the rivalry balanced, and many expect their battles to shape the NBA for the next decade. Chet won the 2025 NBA Finals, something Wemby desperately wants to replicate. He has one All Star selection.  

NBA Western Conference Finals Trivia and Facts 

• The Birth

The NBA’s Western Conference Finals did not officially exist until 1970, when the league reorganized into Eastern and Western conferences after expanding. Before that, playoff rounds had different names and formats that changed almost every few seasons.

• Lakers’ Historic Dominance

The Los Angeles Lakers have appeared in more Western Conference Finals than any other franchise in league history. Their dominance stretches across multiple eras, from Magic Johnson and Kareem to Kobe and now LeBron.

• Warriors vs. Rockets

The rivalry between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets defined much of the late 2010s Western Conference, even though they only met once in the actual conference finals. Many fans considered their 2018 series the “real NBA Finals” because of how dominant both teams were.

• Magic Johnson’s 1980s Dynasty Run

Magic Johnson played in nine Western Conference Finals during the 1980s alone. That level of sustained success helped turn the Lakers into one of the NBA’s most glamorous dynasties.

• The Controversial 2002 Kings-Lakers Series

The Sacramento Kings were just one win away from the 2002 NBA Finals before losing Game 7 to the Lakers in overtime. That series is still one of the most controversial conference finals in basketball history because of disputed officiating decisions.

• Stephen Curry’s Three Point Legacy

Stephen Curry holds the record for the most three pointers made in Western Conference Finals history with 151, and the most within one series with 32 in 2016 against the OKC Thunder. His shooting changed how teams approached offense across the entire NBA.

• The Spurs’ Three Decade Dynasty

The San Antonio Spurs reached the Western Conference Finals in three different decades under coach Gregg Popovich: the 1990s, the 2000s, and the 2010s. Their consistency is considered one of the greatest examples of long term success in professional sports. Now, they are at it again. 

• The Thunder’s 3-1 Collapse in 2016

In 2016, the Oklahoma City Thunder took a 3-1 lead over the 73 win Warriors in the Western Conference Finals before collapsing and losing the series. That comeback became one of the defining moments of Stephen Curry’s career. It also led to Kevin Durant switching sides. 

• The Creation of the Magic Johnson Trophy

No Western Conference Finals MVP award existed until 2022, when the NBA introduced the Earvin 'Magic' Johnson Trophy. The award honors the best player in the series and is named after Lakers legend Magic Johnson. The same exists in the East, and is named after Magic’s longtime rival and friend, Celtics legend Larry Bird. 

• Portland’s Near Upset of the Shaq-Kobe Lakers

The Portland Trail Blazers once reached the Western Conference Finals despite having the youngest roster remaining in the playoffs. Their unexpected 2000 run nearly ended the Lakers' dynasty before a famous fourth quarter collapse in Game 7