Spurs vs Thunder 2026: 52-30 Record Comparison
San Antonio Spurs
NBA team averaging 108.7 PPG with elite three-point shooting (37.2%) in 2025-26 season.
Fans who respect organizational tradition and want to watch a young team develop character; collectors of NBA history
Oklahoma City Thunder
NBA's best team with elite two-way play, exceptional defense, and balanced scoring across multiple star players.
NBA fans seeking to watch cutting-edge defensive basketball and young star talent; bandwagon-ready contender in 2025-26
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe Oklahoma City Thunder remain among the Western Conference's elite with dominant defensive prowess, while the San Antonio Spurs continue their rebuild focused on youth development under Gregg Popovich's leadership. The contrast reflects different organizational timelines, with OKC contending immediately and San Antonio prioritizing long-term foundation-building.
Read full verdictChoose Oklahoma City Thunder if you want to watch an elite defensive team competing for a championship in 2025-26 with young star talent like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Choose San Antonio Spurs if you appreciate a historic franchise's legacy and respect for development under Popovich, though they are in a clear rebuild phase. The Thunder are objectively the better team this season, but the Spurs remain a model organization with a winning history spanning three decades.
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Choose San Antonio Spurs if
Fans who respect organizational tradition and want to watch a young team develop character; collectors of NBA history
Choose Oklahoma City Thunder if
Best pickNBA fans seeking to watch cutting-edge defensive basketball and young star talent; bandwagon-ready contender in 2025-26
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Key Differences at a Glance
- 2025-26 Win-Loss Record:✓ Oklahoma City Thunder wins(52-30 vs 38-44)
- Defensive Rating (Points Allowed per 100 possessions):✓ Oklahoma City Thunder wins(106.2 vs 112.8)
- Offensive Rating (Points Scored per 100 possessions):✓ Oklahoma City Thunder wins(115.7 vs 108.4)
Key Facts & Figures
100 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | San Antonio Spurs | Oklahoma City Thunder | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game (2025-26)(PPG) | 109.5 PPG | — | — |
| Field Goal Percentage(%) | 45.3% | 47.1% | |
| Three-Point Attempts Per Game(3PA) | 28.9 3PA | — | — |
| Defensive Rating(Points per 100 Possessions) | 113.4 | 108.2 | |
| Assists Per Game(APG) | 27.3 | 28.1 | |
| NBA Championships(titles) | 5 championships | — | — |
| Victor Wembanyama Points Per Game(PPG) | Victor Wembanyama 24.7 PPG | — | — |
| Coach Experience(years) | Gregg Popovich 30 years with team | — | — |
| All-Time Championships(titles) | 5 | 0 | |
| Playoff Appearances (2021-2026)(appearances) | 1 | 4 | |
| Average Team Age(years) | 27.2 | 24.8 | |
| Coach Tenure(seasons) | New (2024-present) | 6 seasons | |
| Last Conference Finals Appearance(year) | 2014 | Never | — |
| Expected Win Total (2025-26)(wins) | 35-40 | 48-52 | |
| Offensive Rating Potential(points per 100) | 110.5 | 115.2 | |
| Total NBA Championships(titles) | 5 championships | — | — |
| Playoff Win Percentage (All-Time)(%) | 69.5% (178-78) | — | — |
| Consecutive 50-Win Seasons(seasons) | 17 consecutive (1998-99 to 2015-16) | — | — |
| Three-Point Attempts Per Game (2024-25)(attempts) | 28.4 3PA/game | — | — |
| Consecutive Playoff Appearances(years) | 22 consecutive (1995-2016) | — | — |
| Finals MVP Awards (Core Players)(awards) | 8 (Duncan 3x, Parker 1x, Ginóbili 0x, Leonard 0x in core era) | — | — |
| Average Regular Season Wins Per Year (2010-2024)(wins) | 48.2 wins/season | — | — |
| Offensive Rating(PPP (Points Per 100 Possessions)) | 108.4 | 114.7 | |
| Net Rating (Differential)(points per 100 possessions) | -4.4 | +9.5 | |
| All-Time NBA Championships(titles) | 5 | 1 | |
| Playoff Appearances (Last 10 Seasons)(appearances) | 7 | 9 | |
| 2025-26 Payroll(USD millions) | $118.2M | $145.8M | |
| Average Roster Age(years) | 26.2 | 24.8 | |
| Points Per Game(PPG) | 108.7 | 115.2 | |
| Three-Point Percentage(%) | 37.2% | 35.9% | |
| Roster Average Age(years) | 28.4 | 25.1 | |
| Free Throw Percentage(%) | 79.4% | 76.8% | |
| Leading Scorer PPG(points per game) | 29.1 (SGA) | 29.1 (SGA) | |
| Rebounds Per Game (Team)(rebounds) | 47.1 | 47.1 | |
| Assists Per Game (Team)(assists) | 28.4 | 28.4 | |
| Steals Per Game (Team)(steals) | 8.9 | 8.9 | |
| Points Per Game (Team Scoring)(PPG) | 117.2 | 117.2 | |
| Team Assists Per Game(APG) | 27.8 | 27.8 | |
| Bench Scoring(Points per game) | 28.4 | 28.4 | |
| Playoff Seed Position(Seed Ranking) | 2nd (West) | 2nd (West) | |
| 3-Point Percentage(percent) | 37.9% | 37.9% | |
| Average Points Per Game(points) | 117.8 | 117.8 | |
| Conference Rank(position) | 1st (Western) | 1st (Western) | |
| All-Star Selections(players) | 3 All-Stars | 3 All-Stars | |
| Playoff Seed(seed ranking) | 1st seed | 1st seed | |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Points Per Game(PPG) | 30.1 PPG | 30.1 PPG | |
| Team Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 110.2 | 110.2 | |
| 2023-24 Win-Loss Record(Wins) | 56-26 | 56-26 | |
| NBA Championship Titles(championships) | 0 | 0 | |
| Points Allowed Per Game(PPG) | 109.3 | 109.3 | |
| Star Player PPG Average(PPG) | 30.2 (SGA) | 30.2 (SGA) | |
| Final Score(points) | 126 | 126 | |
| Assists Leader APG(Assists Per Game) | 10.9 (SGA) | 10.9 (SGA) | |
| Rebounds Leader RPG(Rebounds Per Game) | 10+ (Holmgren) | 10+ (Holmgren) | |
| Games Back From Playoff Position(GB) | -5.5 (leading) | -5.5 (leading) | |
| Net Rating(point differential per 100 possessions) | +7.9 | +7.9 | |
| 2026 NBA All-Star Selections(players) | 3 | 3 | |
| Playoff Seeding(seed ranking) | 1st | 1st | |
| Net Rating (scoring margin per 100 possessions)(points) | +10.6 | +10.6 | |
| All-NBA Caliber Superstars(count) | 3 (Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Dort) | 3 (Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Dort) | |
| Western Conference Playoff Seeding(seed) | 1st (projected) | 1st (projected) | |
| Playoff Probability(percent) | 99% | 99% | |
| NBA Championship Odds (2026 season)(decimal odds) | +400 | +400 | |
| Payroll(USD millions) | $163M | $163M | |
| Three-Point Percentage (team)(percent) | 36.2% | 36.2% | |
| Team Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 115.9 | 115.9 | |
| Payroll (2024-25)(million USD) | $176.4M | $176.4M | |
| NBA Finals Appearances (2022-2025)(appearances) | 0 | 0 | |
| Chet Holmgren Block Rate(blocks per game) | 2.8 BPG | 2.8 BPG | |
| NBA Championships Won(Titles) | 0 | 0 | |
| Leading Scorer PPG Average(Points per game) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 29.3 PPG | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 29.3 PPG | |
| MVP Awards (All-Time)(Awards) | 0 | 0 | |
| Core Roster Average Age(Years) | 24.3 years | 24.3 years | |
| Team Payroll(USD Millions) | $165 million | $165 million | |
| Points Per Game (2024-25)(PPG) | 116.8 | 116.8 | |
| Defensive Rating (2024-25)(points per 100 possessions) | 105.2 | 105.2 | |
| Leading Scorer Average (2024-25)(PPG) | 30.1 (SGA) | 30.1 (SGA) | |
| Assists Per Game (2024-25)(APG) | 8.1 | 8.1 | |
| Salary Cap Situation(USD millions) | $134 million ($50M under) | $134 million ($50M under) | |
| Three-Point Shooting(percentage) | 38.1% | 38.1% | |
| Western Conference Seed(ranking) | 1st Seed | 1st Seed | |
| Star Player PPG(points per game) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 28.4 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 28.4 | |
| Playoff Appearances (Last 5 Years)(seasons) | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 | |
| Western Conference Ranking(seed position) | 1st seed | 1st seed | |
| Three-Point Percentage (Leading Scorer)(%) | 42.8% | 42.8% | |
| Points Per Game (Offense)(PPG) | 112.4 | 112.4 | |
| Points Allowed Per Game (Defense)(PPG) | 105.2 | 105.2 | |
| Leading Scorer Points Per Game(PPG) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 | |
| Team 3-Point Percentage(%) | 37.2% | 37.2% | |
| Points Per Game (Team Average)(PPG) | 114.8 | 114.8 | |
| Leading Scorer Average(PPG) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 30.1 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 30.1 | |
| All-Star Selections (2024)(Players) | 2 All-Stars | 2 All-Stars | |
| NBA Championship Titles (Total)(Championships) | 0 | 0 | |
| Future Draft Capital(First-Round Picks) | Extensive (8+) | Extensive (8+) | |
| Three-Point Shooting Percentage(%) | 37.8% | 37.8% | |
| Bench Scoring Depth(players 8+ PPG) | 7 players | 7 players | |
| Steals Per Game (Team Leader)(steals per game) | 2.1 (SGA) | 2.1 (SGA) | |
| Assists Per Game (Team Leader)(assists per game) | 7.8 (SGA) | 7.8 (SGA) | |
| Rebounds Per Game(RPG) | 46.8 | 46.8 | |
| Point Differential(+/-) | +11.0 | +11.0 |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- 38-442025-26 Win-Loss Record52-30(winner)
- 112.8Defensive Rating (Points Allowed per 100 possessions)106.2(winner)
- 108.4Offensive Rating (Points Scored per 100 possessions)115.7(winner)
- 26.2 yearsAverage Player Age24.8 years(winner)
- 5(winner)NBA Championships (Franchise History)1
- 7Playoff Appearances (Last 10 Seasons)9(winner)
- $118.2MCurrent Payroll (2025-26 Season)$145.8M(winner)
- 2025-26 Win-Loss Record
San Antonio Spurs
38-44
Oklahoma City Thunder
52-30(winner)
- Defensive Rating (Points Allowed per 100 possessions)
San Antonio Spurs
112.8
Oklahoma City Thunder
106.2(winner)
- Offensive Rating (Points Scored per 100 possessions)
San Antonio Spurs
108.4
Oklahoma City Thunder
115.7(winner)
- Average Player Age
San Antonio Spurs
26.2 years
Oklahoma City Thunder
24.8 years(winner)
- NBA Championships (Franchise History)
San Antonio Spurs
5(winner)
Oklahoma City Thunder
1
Full Comparison
| Attribute | San Antonio Spurs | Oklahoma City Thunder |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game (2025-26)(PPG) | 109.5 PPG | — |
| Three-Point Attempts Per Game(3PA) | 28.9 3PA | — |
| Field Goal Percentage(%) | 45.3% | 47.1%(winner) |
| Points Per Game(PPG) | 108.7 | 115.2(winner) |
| Free Throw Percentage(%) | 79.4%(winner) | 76.8% |
| Points Per Game (2024-25)(PPG) | 116.8 | — |
| Leading Scorer Points Per Game(PPG) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 | — |
Show 1 more attributePoints Per Game (Team Average)(PPG) 114.8 — | ||
| Defensive Rating(Points per 100 Possessions) | 113.4 | 108.2(winner) |
| Defensive Rating (2024-25)(points per 100 possessions) | 105.2 | — |
| Assists Per Game(APG) | 27.3 | 28.1(winner) |
| Team Assists Per Game(APG) | 27.8 | — |
| NBA Championships(titles) | 5 championships | — |
| Victor Wembanyama Points Per Game(PPG) | Victor Wembanyama 24.7 PPG | — |
| Coach Experience(years) | Gregg Popovich 30 years with team | — |
| All-Time Championships(titles) | 5(winner) | 0 |
| NBA Championship Titles (Total)(Championships) | 0 | — |
| Playoff Appearances (2021-2026)(appearances) | 1 | 4(winner) |
| Current Star Player Rating(NBA tier) | Veteran stars (declining) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Elite) |
| Average Team Age(years) | 27.2 | 24.8(winner) |
| Average Roster Age(years) | 26.2 | 24.8(winner) |
| Coach Tenure(seasons) | New (2024-present) | 6 seasons(winner) |
| Last Conference Finals Appearance(year) | 2014 | Never |
| Expected Win Total (2025-26)(wins) | 35-40 | 48-52(winner) |
| Offensive Rating Potential(points per 100) | 110.5 | 115.2(winner) |
| Total NBA Championships(titles) | 5 championships | — |
| Playoff Win Percentage (All-Time)(%) | 69.5% (178-78) | — |
| Consecutive 50-Win Seasons(seasons) | 17 consecutive (1998-99 to 2015-16) | — |
| Three-Point Attempts Per Game (2024-25)(attempts) | 28.4 3PA/game | — |
| Single Season Three-Pointer Record(makes) | Not applicable | — |
| Consecutive Playoff Appearances(years) | 22 consecutive (1995-2016) | — |
| Finals MVP Awards (Core Players)(awards) | 8 (Duncan 3x, Parker 1x, Ginóbili 0x, Leonard 0x in core era) | — |
| Average Regular Season Wins Per Year (2010-2024)(wins) | 48.2 wins/season | — |
| 2025-26 Regular Season Record(wins-losses) | 38-44 | 52-30(winner) |
| Net Rating (Differential)(points per 100 possessions) | -4.4 | +9.5(winner) |
| Season Record (2025-26)(wins-losses) | 47-22 | — |
| Wins-Losses Record (2025-26)(W-L) | 65-17 | — |
| Current Win-Loss Record (2024-25 season) | 40-12 | — |
Show 2 more attributesWestern Conference Playoff Seeding(seed) 1st (projected) — Current Season Win-Loss Record(wins-losses) 32-12 — | ||
| Offensive Rating(PPP (Points Per 100 Possessions)) | 108.4 | 114.7(winner) |
| Assists Per Game (Team)(assists) | 28.4 | — |
| Points Per Game (Team Scoring)(PPG) | 117.2 | — |
| Team Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 115.9 | — |
| Three-Point Shooting(percentage) | 38.1% | — |
Show 1 more attributeThree-Point Percentage (Leading Scorer)(%) 42.8% — | ||
| All-Time NBA Championships(titles) | 5(winner) | 1 |
| NBA Championships Won(Titles) | 0 | — |
| MVP Awards (All-Time)(Awards) | 0 | — |
| Playoff Appearances (Last 10 Seasons)(appearances) | 7 | 9(winner) |
| 2025-26 Payroll(USD millions) | $118.2M(winner) | $145.8M |
| Three-Point Percentage(%) | 37.2%(winner) | 35.9% |
| 3-Point Percentage(percent) | 37.9% | — |
| Roster Average Age(years) | 28.4 | 25.1(winner) |
| Core Roster Average Age(Years) | 24.3 years | — |
| Head-to-Head Series Record (2025-26)(Wins-Losses) | 1-3 | 3-1 |
| Leading Scorer PPG(points per game) | 29.1 (SGA) | — |
| Leading Scorer(PPG) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 28.7 PPG | — |
| Leading Scorer PPG Average(Points per game) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 29.3 PPG | — |
| Rebounds Per Game (Team)(rebounds) | 47.1 | — |
| Rebounds Leader RPG(Rebounds Per Game) | 10+ (Holmgren) | — |
| Rebounds Per Game(RPG) | 46.8 | — |
| Steals Per Game (Team)(steals) | 8.9 | — |
| Team Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 110.2 | — |
| Points Allowed Per Game (Defense)(PPG) | 105.2 | — |
| Steals Per Game (Team Leader)(steals per game) | 2.1 (SGA) | — |
| Bench Scoring(Points per game) | 28.4 | — |
| Bench Scoring Depth(players 8+ PPG) | 7 players | — |
| Playoff Seed Position(Seed Ranking) | 2nd (West) | — |
| Conference Rank(position) | 1st (Western) | — |
| Playoff Seed(seed ranking) | 1st seed | — |
| Conference Standing(Seed/Rank) | 1st (West) | — |
| Games Back From Playoff Position(GB) | -5.5 (leading) | — |
Show 1 more attributeWestern Conference Seed(ranking) 1st Seed — | ||
| Average Points Per Game(points) | 117.8 | — |
| All-Star Selections(players) | 3 All-Stars | — |
| Nikola Jokic Points Per Game(PPG) | N/A | — |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Points Per Game(PPG) | 30.1 PPG | — |
| 2023-24 Win-Loss Record(Wins) | 56-26 | — |
| Regular Season Record(Wins-Losses) | 57-16 | — |
| Win-Loss Record (2024-25 season)(Wins-Losses) | 47-15 | — |
| NBA Championship Titles(championships) | 0 | — |
| Points Allowed Per Game(PPG) | 109.3 | — |
| Star Player PPG Average(PPG) | 30.2 (SGA) | — |
| All-NBA Caliber Superstars(count) | 3 (Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Dort) | — |
| Final Score(points) | 126 | — |
| Location | Home - Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK | — |
| Aaron Gordon Points(points) | N/A | — |
| Aaron Gordon Field Goal %(%) | N/A | — |
| Aaron Gordon Three-Point %(%) | N/A | — |
| Aaron Gordon Free Throw %(%) | N/A | — |
| Three-Point Percentage (team)(percent) | 36.2% | — |
| Team 3-Point Percentage(%) | 37.2% | — |
| Aaron Gordon Plus-Minus(rating) | N/A | — |
| Game-Winning Play | Gilgeous-Alexander stepback 3P (0:03 remaining) - 126-129 | — |
| Assists Leader APG(Assists Per Game) | 10.9 (SGA) | — |
| Assists Per Game (2024-25)(APG) | 8.1 | — |
| Assists Per Game (Team Leader)(assists per game) | 7.8 (SGA) | — |
| Head-to-Head Result (HOU@OKC)(Final Score) | 110 points | — |
| Third Quarter Dominance(Scoring Margin) | Led 52-46 at halftime | — |
| Bench Depth Indicator(Contributing Players) | Williams, Holmgren, SGA balanced attack | — |
| Net Rating(point differential per 100 possessions) | +7.9 | — |
| 2026 NBA All-Star Selections(players) | 3 | — |
| Nikola Jokic vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Best Player Comparison)(PPG / APG / eFG%) | 30.1 PPG / 6.5 APG / 60.1% eFG% (SGA) | — |
| Playoff Seeding(seed ranking) | 1st | — |
| Net Rating (scoring margin per 100 possessions)(points) | +10.6 | — |
| Playoff Probability(percent) | 99% | — |
| NBA Championship Odds (2026 season)(decimal odds) | +400 | — |
| Payroll(USD millions) | $163M | — |
| Payroll (2024-25)(million USD) | $176.4M | — |
| NBA Finals Appearances (2022-2025)(appearances) | 0 | — |
| Chet Holmgren Block Rate(blocks per game) | 2.8 BPG | — |
| 2024-25 Regular Season Win-Loss Record(Wins-Losses) | 36-8 | — |
| Team Payroll(USD Millions) | $165 million | — |
| Leading Scorer Average (2024-25)(PPG) | 30.1 (SGA) | — |
| Leading Scorer Average(PPG) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 30.1 | — |
| Salary Cap Situation(USD millions) | $134 million ($50M under) | — |
| Wins-Losses Record(W-L) | 32-10 | — |
| Regular Season Wins-Losses | 38-8 | — |
| Star Player PPG(points per game) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 28.4 | — |
| Playoff Appearances (Last 5 Years)(seasons) | 5 of 5 | — |
| Western Conference Ranking(seed position) | 1st seed | — |
| Points Per Game (Offense)(PPG) | 112.4 | — |
| 2023-24 Season Win-Loss Record(Wins-Losses) | 56-26 | — |
| Win-Loss Record | 50-12 | — |
| All-Star Selections (2024)(Players) | 2 All-Stars | — |
| Future Draft Capital(First-Round Picks) | Extensive (8+) | — |
| Three-Point Shooting Percentage(%) | 37.8% | — |
| Point Differential(+/-) | +11.0 | — |
San Antonio SpursOklahoma City ThunderShow 1 more attribute
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Pros & Cons
10 pros·5 cons across both
San Antonio Spurs
Pros
Cons
Oklahoma City Thunder
Pros
Cons
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) is the Thunder's franchise player. He finished top-3 in MVP voting in both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, averaging 28+ points with elite efficiency. He is considered one of the best guards in the NBA, alongside Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, and a small group of elite lead scorers.
Yes. Wembanyama is considered one of the most impressive young players in NBA history given his physical profile. In his second NBA season (2024-25), he averaged 22+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 3+ blocks while shooting from three-point range at an above-average rate. His unique combination of elite rim protection and perimeter skill is historically unprecedented for a seven-foot player.
The San Antonio Spurs have won 5 NBA Championships: 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014. All five titles were won under head coach Gregg Popovich with Tim Duncan as the cornerstone. This makes San Antonio one of the most successful small-market franchises in professional sports history.
Yes. The OKC Thunder are considered a legitimate Western Conference contender as of 2026. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as an MVP-caliber lead player, Jalen Williams as a strong co-star, Chet Holmgren providing elite shot-blocking, and one of the best rosters in terms of depth and youth, OKC is a top-4 Western Conference team and a realistic Finals contender.
The San Antonio Spurs' most recent NBA Championship was in 2014, when they defeated the Miami Heat 4-1 in the Finals. That title was widely praised as one of the most aesthetically pure team basketball performances in NBA Finals history. Since the Kawhi Leonard trade in 2018 and subsequent rebuilding, the Spurs have not returned to the playoffs as a serious contender.
Expert Analysis: San Antonio Spurs vs Oklahoma City Thunder
The San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder represent two of the NBA's most storied small-market franchises — but in 2026, they stand at radically different points in their respective arcs, making this less a rivalry matchup and more a study in where dynasties go and how they rebuild.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as one of the league's elite teams. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), who finished as a top-3 MVP candidate in both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, OKC completed a full rebuild in remarkable time after trading away the remainder of the Russell Westbrook/Paul George era roster. SGA's combination of elite isolation scoring (28+ PPG), playmaking efficiency, and team-first leadership has made him one of the most complete guards in the NBA. Alongside Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, OKC's core is young (average age mid-20s), under contract, and built for a championship window that spans the rest of the decade. Their defensive rating has ranked top-5 in the league consistently, and their depth of first-round draft picks — accumulated from years of asset collection — gives them flexibility most contenders lack.
The San Antonio Spurs are in a fundamentally different phase. After winning five championships between 1999 and 2014 under Gregg Popovich and a core of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginóbili, the Spurs have been rebuilding since the Kawhi Leonard trade in 2018. Victor Wembanyama, the generational center selected #1 overall in the 2023 draft, is the center of that rebuild. In his first two seasons, Wembanyama has demonstrated the rare combination of elite rim protection, seven-foot shot-blocking wingspan, three-point shooting range, and ball-handling that makes him a legitimate future franchise cornerstone. He averaged 22+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 3+ blocks in his second season while still developing his conditioning and game management at age 20.
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In head-to-head matchups, the Thunder have been the superior team during this period — their organizational depth and SGA's current prime advantage the Spurs' developmental assets. OKC has won the season series against San Antonio in recent years by comfortable margins.
The Spurs-Thunder historical rivalry includes some of the most compelling playoff series of the 2010s, with OKC's Kevin Durant-Westbrook era clashing against San Antonio's mature championship core in the 2012 and 2014 Western Conference playoffs. The 2012 WCF (OKC's 4-2 victory) and the 2014 WCF (San Antonio's 4-2 revenge) remain two of the most tactically compelling series in recent NBA history.
Looking forward, both franchises project as Western Conference forces through the late 2020s — OKC at the peak of its contention window, San Antonio building toward relevance around Wembanyama's development.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Wikipedia
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San Antonio Spurs on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
NBA team averaging 108.7 PPG with elite three-point shooting (37.2%) in 2025-26 season.
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Oklahoma City Thunder on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
NBA's best team with elite two-way play, exceptional defense, and balanced scoring across multiple star players.
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