There's an early coronation happening for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the second round of the playoffs isn't even over yet. Everywhere you turn, fans and media members are crowning OKC with claims of a dynasty on the horizon. People truly believe that their team is invincible, completely ignoring the Spurs' existence.
OKC is going to be our first dynasty since GSW. this generation will view them the way we viewed the Warriors
— Ashley Nicole Moss (@AshNicoleMoss) May 8, 2026
Nobody is taking down the Thunder this year. They’re going back-to-back.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) May 10, 2026
Whoa there, partners. Respect to the defending champs and all, but these conclusions are based on how they look against a Lakers team that can't play defense and is without their best player. Luka Doncic is an MVP candidate, averaging 34 points per game. Now, LA is being led by 41-year-old LeBron James and Austin Reaves. They're not exactly facing top-tier competition.
San Antonio poses an entirely different threat. It would be wise not to look past them.
The Spurs are built to counter OKC's strengths
The Thunder's offensive system starts with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They use him primarily to create their advantages, and he thrives in the midrange. SGA has worked to improve his three-point shot, and he's done so, shooting 39% in the regular season. But he's not a volume shooter from that distance, and in the postseason, his efficiency has regressed to 33%.
He's averaging 28 points per game because of his brilliance inside the arc, and of course, the friendly whistle he tends to receive. Well, the Spurs have players like Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, and Carter Bryant who can match up with the expected MVP's size, and Victor Wembanyama will be patrolling the rest of the lane to make life difficult for everyone.
Chet Holmgren's and Isaiah Hartenstein's size usually gives OKC an advantage against their opponents, but Wembanyama negates that as well. How's that size and strength working out for the Timberwolves? On the perimeter, there is no player that the Thunder can try to get a matchup against that will play to their benefit. Every defender wearing silver and black can switch and move their feet.
They haven't encountered anything close to this in the postseason because there's only one team that can do it. San Antonio has a strong guard rotation that can play through physical contact and won't fumble the ball every other play or throw careless turnovers because they're flustered. Quite frankly, the Lakers should be embarrassed by some of the things they're doing.
The Spurs finished the season two games behind OKC for the number one seed in the NBA. There's a reason for that. San Antonio beat the Thunder 4-1 during the regular season. There's a reason for that. Believe what your eyes are telling you when you look at how unfazed by the moment this young team is, and then remember what they're capable of.
Oklahoma City will have to earn it. The Spurs won't just give it to them.
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