The tears came with the final buzzer for the leader of the Spurs. In 2023, this organization mired in mediocrity found its commander, and Saturday night Victor Wembanyama could not restrain the emotions after leading this generation’s San Antonio Spurs to the final doorstep of glory. In Game 7 of the Western Conference finals, the 111-103 defeat of the Oklahoma City Thunder was the kind of victory that defines legacy and enshrines a team in mythic aura. On Saturday night in a hostile Paycom Center, the Spurs tore up their timeline and decided there would be no more waiting. A final series against the New York Knicks awaits to determine if this underdog story will have a golden ending.
In an arena that held a championship ring ceremony just seven months ago, the Spurs jumped out to an early lead that has become familiar throughout the series. The Spurs led by 14 points in the first quarter, but Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fought back almost singlehandedly with a brilliant shooting display in the second quarter. Oklahoma City’s superstar made six shots out of seven in the quarter to snatch a narrow lead before halftime. After the break, Spurs sharpshooting forward Julian Champagnie netted three 3-pointers in a short stint and Wembanyama added one of his own to stretch the lead to 11 points. The Thunder clawed back once again. Three points separated the teams as the winner-take-all showdown entered the fourth quarter.
The Spurs were on top throughout the final period, but heart rates skyrocketed throughout San Antonio as the Thunder pushed back again and again. Turnovers crept in, and the Spurs gave the ball away to Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein leading by only six points with six minutes remaining. Hartenstein saw no obstruction ahead as he barreled towards the rim, but backup center Luke Kornet chased him down and destroyed his layup off of the backboard in a series-defining moment. The 30-year-old big man created a memory that will be joyously replayed forever in San Antonio, returning to the bench a minute later to a hero’s welcome.
Rookie guard Dylan Harper swished a step-back three with composure far beyond his years to create a 12-point gap with four minutes left. Heart-pounding seconds ticked away, and Oklahoma City could not cut the lead below six points as they began to resort to desperation shots. Champagnie grabbed a rebound with eight seconds left, and threw it up the court to forward Devin Vassell. Vassell knew the game was over, but he slammed the ball home to make sure everyone in the arena understood: the Western Conference runs through South Texas.
Wembanyama was awarded the Western Conference finals MVP in a postgame ceremony on the court. The star averaged 27.3 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.7 blocks in the series against the Thunder. Champagnie scored 20 points on 6-for-10 shooting from behind the arc. Guard De’Aaron Fox scored 15 points and five assists and guard Stephon Castle scored 16 points and six assists.
San Antonio will face off against the New York Knicks in a best-of-seven series for the NBA title. The Spurs host Game 1 of the NBA Finals Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Frost Bank Center.
