Athletic Writers Pick Spurs 6-5 to Reach NBA Finals in Thunder Game 7
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 29
Athletic Writers Pick Spurs 6-5 to Reach NBA Finals in Thunder Game 7
12 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 29
Six of 11 Athletic NBA writers picked San Antonio to win Saturday’s Game 7 in Oklahoma City and advance to face the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals.
The Spurs drew support because they look healthier, have defended Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with length and physicality, and may get another swing game from Victor Wembanyama after his strong Game 6.
Oklahoma City’s case rests on home court and recent playoff history: the Thunder are 17-3 at Paycom Center over the past two postseasons with a plus-17.9 point differential.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the clear pressure pick, drawing 6 of 11 votes as the two-time MVP averages 24.3 points in the series while shooting 38% overall and 26% from 3.
Dylan Harper was the top X-factor choice with 3 votes, underscoring a broader takeaway from the panel that Spurs-Thunder has become the West’s defining rivalry and could shape the conference for years.
With his legacy on the line, can two-time MVP SGA overcome the Spurs’ suffocating defense in the decisive Game 7?
Is this Thunder-Spurs rivalry the West's future, or can Luka Dončić’s retooled Lakers crash the party next season?
Will Wembanyama’s immense talent or his questionable conduct be the deciding factor for the Spurs on the road?