The San Antonio Spurs emerged victorious against the Oklahoma City Thunder in a thrilling Game 7, securing their place in the NBA Finals. This win sets up a highly anticipated rematch with the New York Knicks, echoing the 1999 championship series where the Spurs claimed victory in five games.

Game 7 Highlights

In a closely contested battle, the Spurs outlasted the defending champion Thunder with a final score of 111-103. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 22 points and seven rebounds, showcasing his pivotal role in the team’s success. On the other side, Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the two-time reigning NBA MVP, delivered an impressive performance with a team-high 35 points.

This Game 7 marked the 160th winner-take-all game in NBA history and was the fifth such game this season. The Spurs’ victory is particularly significant as it marks their first return to the NBA Finals since their 2014 championship win against the Miami Heat.

Knicks’ Road to the Finals

The New York Knicks have also had a remarkable journey to the Finals, sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. This achievement marks the Knicks’ first appearance in the NBA Finals in 27 years. Their playoff run has been dominant, with the team winning 11 consecutive games, most by significant margins.

The upcoming Finals series will see a new champion crowned, continuing a trend of diversity in NBA champions over the past eight seasons. Previous winners include Toronto, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee, Golden State, Denver, Boston, and Oklahoma City.

Looking Ahead

Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals is set to tip off on Wednesday in San Antonio. Fans eagerly anticipate whether the Spurs will replicate their 1999 success against the Knicks or if New York will claim their first title in decades.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.