Shai, following OKC's elimination: "I still think we had enough to win"

The reign of Oklahoma City Thunder came to an end against a rival that threatens to dominate the West for many years. San Antonio Spurs eliminated the reigning champion after a 111-103 victory in the seventh game of the NBA 2026 Western Conference Finals. Victor Wembanyama and his team celebrated at the Paycom Center earning a spot in the NBA Finals where they will face the New York Knicks.

Despite finishing the regular season with the best record in the league (64-18), the Thunder never found the formula to stop the Spurs, who ended with a 62-20 record and won four out of five matchups in the regular season. Moreover, San Antonio had also previously eliminated Oklahoma City in the NBA Cup semifinals.

“They are young, talented, well-coached, and they play together,” stated Shai Gilgeous-Alexander after the defeat. “You don't beat a team like that without a championship mindset. Now it's our turn to improve day by day to come back stronger.”

The Canadian point guard delivered his best performance of the series in the seventh game with 35 points and nine assists, although he acknowledged not being able to maintain his best level consistently throughout the series.

Injuries Conditioned OKC

Oklahoma City faced much of the series physically limited. The absence of several offensive generators allowed the Spurs’ defense to focus almost exclusively on Gilgeous-Alexander, who reached the seventh game after four consecutive matches shooting below 40% from the field.

Jalen Williams, a key player of the championship team last season, worsened his left hamstring injury during the second game and could barely play 10 minutes for the rest of the series. He was eventually ruled out for the deciding game.

Ajay Mitchell also got sidelined after a right calf injury during the third game.

“Health Matters Too”

Alex Caruso admitted that the absences had an impact but avoided using them as the primary excuse.

“Winning a championship is very difficult, and even more so to repeat,” explained the veteran forward. “You always need some luck. Last year we were healthy almost all the time, and this year we lost key players. That completely changes the team's dynamics.”

Caruso, crucial in several Thunder victories during the series, had a tough night in the seventh game, shooting 3 for 14 from the field and 1 for 6 from beyond the arc.

Gilgeous-Alexander: “We Had Enough to Win”

Despite everything, the Oklahoma City star insisted that the team had what it takes to overcome the series.

“I still believe we had what it takes to make it,” stated Gilgeous-Alexander. “My teammates were incredible, and thanks to them, we stayed alive until the end. I wish I could have played at my best level throughout the series to help them even more.”