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Thunder Host Spurs in WCF Game 1, 6.5-Point Favorite

5/17/2026

Summary

Thunder Host Spurs

The Oklahoma City Thunder host San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of Western Conference Finals on May 18 at Paycom Center.
Thunder (64-18) entered playoffs 8-0 while Spurs (62-20) beat Timberwolves 4-2 and won series 4-1.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won MVP while Victor Wembanyama, Defensive Player of the Year, averages 30-12-4 in the playoffs.
OKC is a 6.5-point favorite (-260) while analysts split on a Thunder win in six-seven games or Spurs upset.

Summary

Thunder Ticket Launch

Tickets for the Western Conference Finals went on sale on May 13 on Ticketmaster, confirming authenticity.
The Thunder UP in the Park party at Scissortail Park starts three hours before home game, offering face-painting, games and a DJ.
Concessions are half-price for the hour after doors open, except in the Michelob Ultra Club.
NBC and Peacock will broadcast the series with Mike Tirico, Reggie Miller, Maria Taylor, Carmelo Anthony and Tracy McGrady.

Summary

Spurs Triumph

The Spurs won Game 6 139-109, the third-highest scoring playoff game in franchise history with nine combined threes.
Mitch Johnson became the Spurs’ head coach, the first new coach since 2017.
Stephon Castle set a franchise record as the youngest player with a 30-point, 10-rebound, 5-assist playoff clincher.
Victor Wembanyama said the Spurs’ defense was the most fun he has ever had in the postseason.

History

Historical Context

After the lockout-shortened 1998-99 season, the Spurs captured their first NBA title by beating the eighth-seeded Knicks 4-1, launching a dynasty that added championships in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014. Their 2014 playoff victory over Oklahoma City foreshadowed the 2024 Finals, where a Thunder team led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander meets a Spurs squad built around rookie Victor Wembanyama.

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Thunder Host Spurs

The Oklahoma City Thunder host San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of Western Conference Finals on May 18 at Paycom Center.
Thunder (64-18) entered playoffs 8-0 while Spurs (62-20) beat Timberwolves 4-2 and won series 4-1.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won MVP while Victor Wembanyama, Defensive Player of the Year, averages 30-12-4 in the playoffs.
OKC is a 6.5-point favorite (-260) while analysts split on a Thunder win in six-seven games or Spurs upset.

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