Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs are headed to the 2026 NBA Finals. The Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals on Saturday, overcoming the Thunder’s home-court advantage to end a 12-year Finals drought.
The victory sends San Antonio to its first NBA Finals appearance since 2014 and gives the franchise an opportunity to capture its sixth championship.
As expected, much of the attention centered around Wembanyama participating for the first time in postseason battles.
Victor Wembanyama Draws Praise After Carrying Spurs Past Thunder
The Western Conference Finals was billed as Victor Wembanyama versus Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Defensive Player of the Year against the reigning MVP.
When it mattered most, Wembanyama delivered. The 7-foot-4 superstar finished Game 7 with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block while shooting 46.7% from the field and 60% from 3-point range.
Unlike the reigning MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander, who saw his production dip significantly in the postseason, Wembanyama managed to maintain his regular-season level of play throughout the series.
Time and time again, the Spurs found themselves pushed against the wall and facing elimination. OKC’s physicality and relentless foul baiting at times seemed too much for the Spurs.
But San Antonio held on, and Wembanyama at one point even tried to match OKC’s physicality with his hard foul tactics. Eventually, the French phenom managed to steer his team to the NBA Finals.
His impact on both ends of the floor helped San Antonio shatter defenses while disrupting Oklahoma City’s offense throughout the seven-game battle.
After the final buzzer, an emotional Wembanyama could be seen hugging teammates and fighting back tears as the reality of reaching the NBA Finals finally set in.
The NBA world immediately flooded social media with reactions.
“damn wemby might be the goat,” @AustinTani posted.
damn wemby might be the goat
— Austin T (@AustinTani) May 31, 2026
“I’m actually happy for him. The league needs more players that care like he does man,” parody account @HoodiGarland wrote.
I’m actually happy for him. The league needs more players that care like he does man https://t.co/fTGAZBXmAQ
— ¹⁰ (@HoodiGarland) May 31, 2026
“Wemby got that Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant competitive streak. He’s fueled by COMPETITION and HATE. THE NBA IS IN GOOD HANDS,” Hater Report posted.
Wemby got that Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant competitive streak.
He’s fueled by COMPETITION and HATE
THE NBA IS IN GOOD HANDS pic.twitter.com/04qmPX3eW4
— Hater Report (@HaterReport) May 31, 2026
Others celebrated the Thunder’s elimination.
“Wemby and the Spurs knocking off the Thunder to get to the NBA Finals is good for the sport. The excessive flopping and the way OKC plays didn’t need to be rewarded with a Finals appearance. Pulling for the Spurs to finish the job 🤞🏽,” one X handle asserted.
Wemby and the Spurs knocking off the Thunder to get to the NBA Finals is good for the sport.
The excessive flopping and the way OKC plays didn’t need to be rewarded with a Finals appearance. Pulling for the Spurs to finish the job 🤞🏽 https://t.co/A1qk83jJdx
— JB🫡 (@jbj23__) May 31, 2026
Meanwhile, Yahoo Sports analyst Kevin O’Connor summed up the dramatic winner-take-all battle.
“Game 7 has been everything we could’ve hoped for.”
Game 7 has been everything we could’ve hoped for.
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) May 31, 2026
Wembanyama’s performance throughout the series earned him even more recognition after the game.
The Spurs superstar was unanimously named the recipient of the Earvin “Magic” Johnson Trophy as the 2026 Western Conference Finals MVP.
VICTOR WEMBANYAMA WINS THE WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS MVP! 🏆#NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/zaznz0B4gV
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 31, 2026
Wembanyama received all nine votes from the media panel covering the series.
During the postgame trophy presentation, the French superstar made it clear his focus has already shifted to the next challenge.
“We want four more. We’re not done. Go Spurs go.”
The Spurs will now face the New York Knicks in the 2026 NBA Finals, with Game 1 scheduled for June 3.
