Spurs are going to NBA Finals — Victor Wembanyama's lead dethroned defending-champion Oklahoma City Thunder in thrilling Game 7

Victor Wembanyama's Spurs knocked off the defending-champion Oklahoma City Thunder in thrilling Game 7, and in doing so, ended another title defense before it could gain momentum.

For the eighth straight NBA season, there will be no repeat champion. Instead, a fearless San Antonio team powered by youth, depth and relentless energy punched its ticket to the NBA Finals with a 111-103 victory on Oklahoma City's home floor.The stakes could not have been higher. A trip to the Finals awaited the winner, with the New York Knicks already waiting on the other side. The Thunder had the experience, the MVP and home-court advantage.

The Spurs had confidence, speed and a belief that they belonged. By the final buzzer, that belief looked more like reality than ambition.

The San Antonio Spurs heads into the finals

San Antonio's balanced approach proved too much for the defending champions. Wembanyama led the way with 22 points, seven rebounds and a block, but this was far from a one-man performance. Seven Spurs players scored in double figures, highlighting the depth that carried them through the Western Conference playoffs.

A pivotal stretch came during the third quarter when the Spurs repeatedly attacked through pick-and-roll actions featuring Wembanyama as the screener. The Thunder collapsed toward the paint, leaving Julian Champagnie open on the perimeter. He made Oklahoma City pay, finishing with a team-high 20 points while knocking down six three-pointers.

De'Aaron Fox added 15 points and five assists, Stephon Castle contributed 16 points and six assists, while Dylan Harper and Keldon Johnson supplied valuable scoring off the bench.

Now, it’s Knicks vs the Spurs.

San Antonio Spurs box score

San Antonio's balanced attack powered the franchise into the NBA Finals, with several players stepping up in the decisive Game 7 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. While Victor Wembanyama finished with 22 points, seven rebounds and a block, the Spurs received valuable contributions throughout the lineup. Julian Champagnie delivered one of his best performances of the postseason, knocking down six three-pointers on his way to a team-high 20 points.

De'Aaron Fox added 15 points and five assists, while rookie Stephon Castle contributed 16 points and six assists despite facing constant defensive pressure.

San Antonio's offensive balance was reflected throughout the stat sheet. Alongside Wembanyama's production, Champagnie's shooting and Fox's playmaking kept the pressure on Oklahoma City all night.

Oklahoma City Thunder box score

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did everything he could to extend Oklahoma City's season.

The reigning Finals MVP scored 35 points and added nine assists, but he simply did not receive enough help from the rest of the lineup.

Holmgren's quiet outing was particularly damaging. The Thunder needed more offensive aggression from their talented big man, but he attempted only two shots and never found a rhythm.

Key takeaways

1. Spurs won withdepth and movementSeven players reached double figures, and San Antonio's ball movement consistently generated quality looks from beyond the arc.2. Thunder lacked support behind Gilgeous-AlexanderThe MVP candidate was brilliant, but Oklahoma City's secondary scorers struggled to make a consistent impact. Holmgren, Hartenstein and Lu Dort combined for just 14 points.3. Third-quarter adjustments changed the gameThe Spurs' repeated use of Wembanyama as a screener opened the floor and sparked a decisive 16-2 run. That sequence shifted momentum permanently and put Oklahoma City on its heels.The reward for San Antonio is its first NBA Finals appearance of the Wembanyama era. The challenge waiting next is a Knicks team that has spent the postseason proving it belongs on basketball's biggest stage as well.