Spurs Stun Thunder 122–115, Wembanyama Shines With 41 Points in Conference Finals Opener

Game 1’s loss by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals snapped a nine-game playoffs winning streak dating back to last June.

Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket against Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter in Game One of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla., on May 18, 2026. Alex Slitz/Getty Images

Game 1 of the NBA’s Western Conference Finals belonged to Victor Wembanyama, as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 122–115.

The Oklahoma City Thunder were off offensively in Monday’s home game at Paycom Center. More than three minutes passed in the first quarter before they scored their first points of the evening. Even the 18,203 fans decked out in blue t-shirts distributed by the team with “House of Thunder” written across the front cheering for last year’s NBA champions couldn’t motivate them to play up to their ability. San Antonio’s stifling defense, all 48 minutes of the game, particularly on their coverage of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, was a difference maker.