The Oklahoma City Thunder moved within one victory of a second consecutive NBA Finals appearance after defeating the San Antonio Spurs 127-114 in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals on Tuesday night at Paycom Center.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 32 points and nine assists, helping his team pull away in the second half after building a substantial lead. The victory leaves Oklahoma City one win away from advancing, with Game 6 scheduled to return to San Antonio.
Victor Wembanyama finished with a series-low 20 points on 4-of-15 shooting, including 0-for-5 from three-point range. Stephon Castle paced the Spurs with 24 points and five rebounds in the losing effort.
Entering the contest, the Spurs had followed a clear pattern in the series. When Wembanyama played as the dominant force on the floor, San Antonio secured victories, including his 41- and 33-point outings in earlier wins. Tuesday proved different as the French star struggled to find rhythm throughout the game.
Wembanyama delivered an impassioned speech to teammates during a timeout just over two minutes into the third quarter, at which point the Thunder had opened an 18-point advantage. The message sparked a brief response, allowing the Spurs to close within eight points later in the period before Oklahoma City reestablished control.
"I know New York’s on fire. They won so that city is obviously enjoying it and they’ve had a heck of a playoff run," Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said before the game when asked about Knicks fans chanting for Wembanyama. "But unfortunately, I’ve been pretty locked-into what we’ve got going right here in front of us."
The Thunder’s defensive pressure and efficient offense in the second half proved decisive. Oklahoma City extended its lead to 20 points at one stage before holding off San Antonio’s late push. The final margin reflected the Thunder’s ability to maintain composure on their home floor.
According to the game report, the Thunder improved to a strong position in the best-of-seven series. A win in Game 6 would send Oklahoma City back to the NBA Finals for the second straight year under their current core.
The New York Knicks, who advanced from the Eastern Conference, will now wait to learn their Finals opponent. Knicks fans had been vocal in expressing interest in facing Wembanyama, though Johnson remained focused solely on the task against the Thunder.
Photographs from the contest showed Thunder players celebrating in the fourth quarter, including Jared McCain, while Wembanyama appeared visibly frustrated on the bench during stretches. The 2026 postseason has highlighted the growing rivalry between the young cores of both Western Conference teams.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. The series now shifts back to San Antonio with the Spurs facing elimination.