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Thunder Host Spurs in Game 5; Mitchell Out, Caruso Surges

5/27/2026

36 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Thunder Host Spurs

The Oklahoma City Thunder host the San Antonio Spurs at 7:30 p.m. CT on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.
Guard Ajay Mitchell is out with a right soleus strain.
Forward Jalen Williams is questionable because of a left hamstring strain.
Alex Caruso’s true-shooting percentage rose to 71.0% when Williams is out, compared with 59.4% when Williams plays.

Summary

Thunder Struggles

Chet Holmgren said he must improve after the loss, citing higher personal standards.
Victor Wembanyama entered the playoffs as the unanimous Defensive Player of the Year.
The Thunder’s 82 points in Game 4 were the fewest by a league-best team since the 2013 Miami Heat’s 77-point game.
Oklahoma City’s offensive rating fell to 80.4 in Game 4, while three of the four games exceeded the first-quarter total projection.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 the Chicago Bulls captured their sixth title, winning Game 6 87-86, the fewest points by a champion since the 1970s. Jordan was named Finals MVP, sealing the dynasty’s 1991-1998 run. That defensive showdown foreshadowed the 2026 NBA Finals, where the Oklahoma City Thunder posted an 82-point Game 4 against the San Antonio Spurs, echoing the Bulls’ low-scoring record.

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Thunder Host Spurs

The Oklahoma City Thunder host the San Antonio Spurs at 7:30 p.m. CT on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.
Guard Ajay Mitchell is out with a right soleus strain.
Forward Jalen Williams is questionable because of a left hamstring strain.
Alex Caruso’s true-shooting percentage rose to 71.0% when Williams is out, compared with 59.4% when Williams plays.

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