NBA Daily Digest: Spurs Reach the Finals, Wembanyama Drops 33 in Game 7

The San Antonio Spurs are headed to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014. Victor Wembanyama delivered 33 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks as the Spurs dismantled the Oklahoma City Thunder 103–82 on Saturday night in a winner-take-all Game 7 at Paycom Center. The Thunder were without All-NBA forward Jalen Williams for the fourth consecutive game. 1

New York awaits. The Knicks — who swept Cleveland in four games to advance 11 days ago — will host Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 3 (8:30 PM ET, ABC). 2

Oklahoma City came in 4–0 at home in Game 7s during the Thunder era, and with Paycom Center rocking and SGA ready to go, the atmosphere favored the defending champions. But Wembanyama refused to let it matter.

The 22-year-old center was the dominant force from tip-off. His 33 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks against an OKC defense already missing Williams and Ajay Mitchell (calf) turned the game into a statement. The Spurs went from a series that had alternated blowouts to a Game 7 that was arguably its most one-sided contest. 34

De'Aaron Fox, PG, who managed just 5 points in Game 6, needed a better game. Fox's ability to attack a depleted Thunder backcourt helped San Antonio pull away in the second half. Stephon Castle, SG, who held SGA to 52 points on 18-of-41 shooting across the series, was again the defensive anchor on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

OKC's injury situation proved too much to overcome. The Thunder listed Williams (left hamstring) and Mitchell (right soleus) out before tip — the same pair unavailable since Game 4. With Chet Holmgren shouldering the primary offensive load alongside SGA, the Thunder didn't have enough. 3

For San Antonio, this is the franchise's return to the grandest stage after a 12-year absence. The Spurs last appeared in the Finals in 2014, when Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginóbili defeated the Heat in five games. Now it's Wembanyama's turn — in his third NBA season.

The Knicks hold home-court advantage with the best record among all 2025–26 playoff participants, and Madison Square Garden will host Games 3, 4, and 6 (if necessary). The Spurs' AT&T Center in San Antonio hosts Games 1, 2, 5 and 7 (if necessary). 2

*If necessary

Mitchell Robinson status remains unclear. The Knicks center underwent surgery on a broken right pinky finger suffered before the ECF, and his availability for Game 1 is not confirmed. New York beat Cleveland in four games without him — Karl-Anthony Towns handled center — but Robinson's physical presence changes the team's defensive profile. 5

De'Aaron Fox played through a left ankle injury throughout the WCF. His health will be monitored as the series shifts to San Antonio to open.

The Spurs entered the Finals with no injury exceptions listed on their official report.

Sean Sweeney to Orlando. The Magic are finalizing the hire of San Antonio associate head coach Sean Sweeney as their new head coach, per ESPN's Shams Charania. Sweeney has been a key part of San Antonio's defensive system development under Gregg Popovich. Orlando's roster is built around Paolo Banchero, SF, and Franz Wagner, SG/SF, and the front office is now working to fill the head-coaching seat as it heads into an important offseason. 6

The Knicks are on an 11-game winning streak with a +271 point differential through 14 playoff games — the best in recorded postseason history. Jalen Brunson, PG, averaged 25.5 points and 7.8 assists across the ECF. Karl-Anthony Towns, C/PF, gives New York size and stretch that will complicate Wembanyama's defensive responsibilities.

San Antonio's path runs through Wembanyama's two-way dominance and whether Fox can control pace in hostile road environments. The Spurs were the league's second-best regular-season team at 62–20 and held OKC to 82 points in a road Game 7 — a real credential. Game 1 tips Wednesday in San Antonio.