For the first time since 2014, the San Antonio Spurs have advanced to the NBA Finals. San Antonio defeated the defending-champion Oklahoma City Thunder on the road in Game 7 to return to basketball’s biggest stage. It is a huge accomplishment that had the entire sports world buzzing, so even NFL players had plenty of thoughts.
NFL World Reacts As Spurs Return to NBA Finals
The Spurs beat the Thunder 111-103 in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals. Victor Wembanyama led the way with 22 points and 7 rebounds, and he finished the series averaging 27.3 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.4 steals, and 2.7 blocks per game.
As San Antonio won the game, Wembanyama couldn’t hold back his emotions, tearing up as he celebrated with his teammates.
“Wemby really love this sh*t!!! The Spurs are easy to root for,” Super Bowl champion Ryan Clark tweeted out.
Wemby really love this sh*t!!! The Spurs are easy to root for.
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) May 31, 2026
“The Spurs have done it!!” two-time Super Bowl champion guard Damien Woody added.
Wembanyama’s averages are impressive, but his impact goes beyond the box score thanks to his terrific defense. Entering this series, Wembanyama was regarded as one of the better players in the NBA and the Defensive Player of the Year, but now he might be the best player in the league.
The Spurs have done it!!
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) May 31, 2026
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III chimed in as well.
“Shai Gilgeous Alexander was spectacular tonight. Wemby and the Spurs were just better,” he wrote on X.
“Chet Holmgren let OKC down. 4 points. In 33 mins. Had the same amount of field goal attempts (2) as fouls (2) and turnovers (2). In Game 7 at home. I’ve never seen a man more afraid to shoot because of Wemby in my life. He has to overcome that fear to level up his game.”
Shai Gilgeous Alexander was spectacular tonight. Wemby and the Spurs were just better.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) May 31, 2026
Due to Wembanyama’s insane size, wingspan, and skill set, he has earned the nickname “The Alien.”
“The Alien’s headed to the finals,” tweeted out former NFL punter and current ESPN broadcaster Pat McAfee.
The Alien’s headed to the finals.
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 31, 2026
Wembanyama is already drawing comparisons to NBA legend LeBron James, as NFL reporter Albert Breer tweeted: “This is like LeBron taking out the Pistons in 2007. Wemby’s Spurs to the Finals.”
The rest of the Spurs came to play alongside Wembanyama, too. One such player was Luke Kornet, who had a clutch block against Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein in the fourth quarter.
“Spurs win Kornet made the play of the gm. WOW,” added Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe.
“Kornet getting that grimy block might have sealed it,” Pittsburgh Steelers star Cam Heyward tweeted.
Kornet getting that grimy block might have sealed it
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) May 31, 2026
After the Spurs’ win, there were plenty of people happy for San Antonio. Green Bay Packers superstar Micah Parsons celebrated the Spurs’ victory.
“Go spurs go!!!” Micah Parsons tweeted.
Go spurs go!!!
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) May 31, 2026
This will be a rematch of the 1999 Finals, when the Spurs beat the New York Knicks to claim their first NBA championship. That series went to five games, as the Knicks only won Game 3. Back then, the Spurs’ young star was Tim Duncan, who would go on to win five championships and become an all-time great with two NBA MVP awards, 15 All-Star selections, and 15 All-NBA nods.
Now, Wembanyama is the Spurs’ new franchise cornerstone and trying to carve out a legacy of his own. Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson and the Knicks are trying to win their first championship since 1973.
As RGIII summed it up: “All that stands in the way of the New York Knicks winning their first NBA title since 1973 is a 7’5 Frenchman named Wemby.”
