After taking a 3-2 series lead with a dominant win in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder has a chance to earn a second straight trip to the NBA Finals as they take on the San Antonio Spurs on the road in Game 6. The Thunder’s defense has been good, if not great, for most of the series, but the offense has been questionable at times. That was not the case in Game 5 as they shot 48.2% from the field—their highest in the Western Conference Finals so far—and 43.8% from downtown—just below their best in the series.
Victor Wembanyama had his worst outing through 5 playoff games against the Thunder, shooting just 4-of-15 (26.7%) from the floor—including 0-5 from three—but he still knocked in all 12 of his free throw attempts to finish with 20 points. He was also held to just 6 rebounds and 1 assist, but he did have 3 blocks and a steal on the defensive end. Even in a rough night by his standards, he was able to impact the game, but he did finish with a +/- of -8, the only time he’s been negative all series long.
Got the job done in Game 5 🤝
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 27, 2026
Recap last night's win with @royceyoung's 3 Things 🎤 pic.twitter.com/NuGpGel0fE
Much of the WCF commentary has been focused on officiating, specifically the idea that the Thunder gets a favorable whistle, despite shooting 11 fewer free throws than the Spurs and being called for 2 more fouls through 5 games. Each team has had an advantage in one game or another, but the idea that the Thunder has an advantage continues to be nothing more than a manufactured storyline to fuel the existing hatred for the reigning champs.
Regardless of what fans choose to believe, though, the only stat that actually matters is who can get to 4 wins first. The Thunder has two chances to do so, and it would be nice if they could get it done sooner rather than later. OKC enters Game 6 as a slight underdog, and while there may be some hope that Jalen Williams will be good to go for the potential closeout game, the Thunder is likely to play without him yet again. After a poor shooting night from pretty much everyone in Game 4—especially from the bench unit—the team responded with a high-octane performance in Game 5. Doing so again in Game 6 will be necessary to come out on top.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has had just one truly great performance in the series (Game 3), but he has definitely been a consistent playmaker. While his shot percentages have been hampered by the pestering San Antonio defense, he is averaging almost 10 assists per game so far. Trusting his teammates has been a key component of the Thunder’s growth this season, and ultimately, it has been a major key to OKC’s ability to win 3 of 5 games so far.
Clinching the series in Game 6 in San Antonio won’t be an easy task by any means, but OKC is built for these long, grueling matchups. The Thunder’s depth is probably the best in the league, and while the bench absolutely has to step up, this game will likely hinge on the play of the reigning back-to-back MVP. SGA has got to take care of the ball and trust his teammates, but when the Thunder needs a bucket, they know who they can count on.
Game Details
Tip-Off: 7:30 PM CT
Location: Frost Bank Center (San Antonio, Texas)
Television: NBA on NBC and Peacock
Radio: WWLS 98.1FM OKC The Sports Animal
Twitter: Follow @ZacharyLowNBA for live tweets and discussion during the game
Game Notes: Oklahoma City Thunder Official Game Notes, San Antonio Spurs Official Game Notes
Projected Starters
Thunder
- PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- SG: Jared McCain
- SF: Luguentz Dort
- PF: Chet Holmgren
- C: Isaiah Hartenstein
Spurs
- PG: De’Aaron Fox
- SG: Stephon Castle
- SF: Devin Vassell
- PF: Justin Champagnie
- C: Victor Wembanyama
Injury Report
Thunder
- Ajay Mitchell (strained right soleus) is OUT.
- Thomas Sorber (right ACL surgical recovery) is OUT.
- Jalen Williams (left hamstring soreness) is QUESTIONABLE.
Spurs
- NONE
Head-to-Head
- Since arriving in Oklahoma City in 2008, the Thunder is 32-34 against the Spurs in the regular season (22-11 at home, 10-22 away, 0-1 at neutral location) and 13-10 against them in the playoffs (9-3 at home, 4-7 away).
- Since arriving in Oklahoma City, the Thunder has won the season series with the Spurs 5 times, lost 8 times, and tied 5 times.
- The Thunder went 1-4 against the Spurs in the regular season (1-1 at home, 0-2 on the road, and 0-1 at a neutral location).
- OKC leads San Antonio 3-2 in the Western Conference Finals (2-1 at home, 1-1 on the road).