NBA

Spurs 118, Thunder 91

Briefly in the first half, the NBC broadcast pondered if this was the best Western Conference Finals since 2018, when the Warriors defeated the Rockets in seven games. Jamal Crawford thought so, and I agree. Despite last night’s blowout, this has been a thrilling series. Game 7 should be cinema.

There were 35 fouls in this game, but the officials allowed for ample contact. Of course, that benefited the Spurs. San Antonio wasn’t called for many touch fouls, which aided it in defending Oklahoma City’s attack. Expect the Thunder to receive more calls at home in Game 7, but yesterday’s trend is worth following tomorrow night.

Per usual, Victor Wembanyama was the driving force for San Antonio. The superstar came out firing early, and ended with 21 field goal attempts in just 28 minutes. He was efficient, too, scoring 28 points with four made three pointers.

De’Aaron Fox hobbled his way to a 1-of-9 night, but Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper picked up the slack. It’s incredible — and scary for the rest of the NBA — how much young perimeter talent the Spurs have. Castle and Harper combined for 35 points and 13 assists.

This was not the Thunder’s night, though I expect a championship response from Oklahoma City in Game 7. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was flustered to the tune of 15 points on 18 shots. I fear that if Jalen Williams doesn’t make sizeable progress in his recovery before tomorrow night, the Thunder could be in trouble.

Chet Holmgren is capable of shifting that trouble to comfort, though his series performance has left plenty to be desired. The 24-year-old can’t come close to going toe-to-toe with Wembanyama, but Oklahoma City needs him to perform like the third-team All-NBA player he was voted as. Holmgren recorded a double-double yesterday, but it was with just 10 points.

I’ll be locked in for Game 7 tomorrow night. Both teams would be favored over the Knicks in the Finals, so there’s no guarantee we’ll see these high of stakes again this season. The Thunder will have the pregame edge — and rightfully so — but don’t be surprised if Wembanyama is the best player on the court. If so, San Antonio should advance to its first Finals since 2014.