Why Thunder will corral Spurs in 6 games in 2026 Western Conference Finals

The hype is building each day for the 2026 Western Conference Finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder earn a huge chance to make consecutive trips to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. But back on the WCF stage during these NBA Playoffs are a fast-growing San Antonio Spurs team.

Now it’s Mitch Johnson, not Gregg Popovich, earning the opportunity to get San Antonio back on the title winning stage. Johnson already has options at his disposal to pull the upset of the Thunder. Unleashing Victor Wembanyama plus the Spurs’ athleticism and depth hands them an edge.

Except OKC holds the upper hand in multiple areas ahead of Game 1. Here’s why the Thunder will roll in six games.

Thunder has multiple defenders for Victor Wembanyama

Depth is crucial during this time of year, and both teams have that element to make a run.

Except OKC presents multiple options to slow down the “alien” known as Wemby.

The Thunder annually produce one of the league’s best defenses. Chet Holmgren takes the defensive energy by the mantle. But the perennial NBA All-Star receives strong backing from there.

Isaiah Hartenstein can counter Wemby down low as a fellow seven-footer. Look for him and Holmgren to take turns slowing him down. But that’s not all, as OKC can throw out a healthier Jalen Williams in the post. Williams will aim to pick Wemby’s pockets and create steals/turnovers for the Thunder.

Young Spurs educated by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

San Antonio’s future is brighter than ever outside of Wemby. Dylan Harper proved to be an immediate force as a rookie. Carter Bryant flashed too especially defensively.

But SGA presents a more insurmountable challenge. One that comes with an educational lesson.

Alexander showed last season he’s tailored made for the championship spotlight. He continues to find ways in creating space to score at will. The 2025 Most Valuable Player performs his best work off hesitations, change in speed and elite lateral footwork. Harper and Bryant hasn’t faced a challenge quite like SGA.

Even veteran players Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox have never reached this far in their NBA careers. Both likely will take turns attempting to guard SGA. But the favorite to win the 2026 MVP lit up the Spurs in averaging 29.5 points per game in the four regular season meetings. SGA knows how to attack the Spurs’ defense and young talents already.

Coaching is final edge on Thunder’s side

Johnson will eventually set himself up for future Coach of the Year consideration. Plus can take the Spurs back to many more WCF appearances.

But Mark Daigneault holds the blueprint now for creating championships. The ecosystem he’s implemented in Oklahoma City has taken off across the basketball universe.

He knows when to adjust and motivate his players on this stage. Daigneault brings more depth, talent and strategic ideas compared to Johnson given the recent run of success OKC is on.

San Antonio’s coach endures a teaching lesson here too courtesy of last season’s NBA Finals winning coach.

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