The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 122-115 in a double-overtime thriller in Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference Finals on Monday, May 19, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 41 points and 24 rebounds, adding 3 blocks and a crucial 27-foot three-pointer late in the first overtime to tie the game and force a second extra period [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. At 22 years and 134 days old, Wembanyama became the youngest player in NBA history to put up at least 40 points and 20 rebounds in a playoff game [1, 2, 6].
Spurs rookie Dylan Harper contributed 24 points and set a team playoff record with seven steals [2, 3, 6]. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson praised Wembanyama's composure and ability to take on key moments. "He has a rare desire to step into every moment that's in front of him," Johnson said. "He has some rare God-given ability." [1]
The Thunder were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who earned his second straight NBA MVP award before the game. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 24 points and dished out 12 assists [1, 2, 3]. Alex Caruso came off the bench to add 31 points, while Jalen Williams scored 26 [1, 2, 3]. Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged the difficult battle ahead, saying, "We knew it was going to be a dog fight. We've just got to be better, me in particular." [1]
Wembanyama said seeing Gilgeous-Alexander receive the MVP trophy motivated him personally for the game. "Did any part of tonight feel personal? Yeah, for sure," Wembanyama said [2, 3, 7]. Stephon Castle called Wembanyama "the best player in the... world" during the contest [2]. Spurs coach Johnson also noted the mental toughness on display: "The levels of mental toughness exuded by both teams ... we needed every second from everybody that played." [2]
This marked only the sixth Game 1 in NBA playoff history to extend into double overtime, and the first since 2013 [2, 6]. With this win, the Spurs stole home-court advantage in the best-of-seven Western Conference Finals [3, 6].
Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, in Oklahoma City, where both teams will look to gain the next edge in the series [1, 6, 8, 9].
