Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reveals where Spurs rank among Thunder’s toughest opponents

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Spurs praise puts series in context

As Oh No He Didn’t showed, Gilgeous-Alexander was asked if San Antonio had been the toughest opponent Oklahoma City has faced.

“They’re up there for sure. Indiana and Denver were pretty tough. Taking us to game 7 probably the common denominator with those groups. But they’re a very tough team, really good team”

That was not empty praise. Gilgeous-Alexander placed the Spurs beside opponents that had already forced Oklahoma City into uncomfortable playoff nights.

Denver pushed the Thunder to seven games in the 2025 Western Conference semifinals. Indiana then did the same in the 2025 NBA Finals before Oklahoma City survived and won the championship.

Thunder face another Game 7 pressure test

The Spurs earned that comparison by hammering Oklahoma City 118-91 in Game 6.

Wembanyama led the response with 28 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. Gilgeous-Alexander had only 15 points, and the Thunder never found a real rhythm once San Antonio seized control.

This has not been a normal conference finals challenge. The Spurs have made the defending champions look uncomfortable in multiple games, not just one bad night.

San Antonio Spurs have earned Thunder’s respect

There is a tone shift around San Antonio that matters.

This is no longer just a young team arriving early. The Spurs have Wembanyama controlling games, Dylan Harper giving them scoring support and enough defensive length to bother a champion.

Gilgeous-Alexander has shown this kind of accountability before, including after Oklahoma City’s Game 1 loss in this same series. He usually starts with his own standard before discussing the opponent.

That makes his Spurs answer feel more meaningful. He knows exactly what a seven-game opponent looks like, and San Antonio has clearly joined that tier.

Now Oklahoma City gets the final test at Paycom Center. If the Thunder want another Finals trip, Gilgeous-Alexander needs a response that matches his respect.