Five players with the most at stake in Western Conference Finals Game 7

Gilgeous-Alexander will take a win any way he can, and he'd almost certainly repeat as WCF MVP if the Thunder win Game 7. But for the good of his legacy, he needs to win by making baskets, not just free throws, or the "foul merchant" tag will continue to haunt him.

Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

At age 22, Victor Wembanyama won Defensive Player of the Year and finished third in MVP voting. He's had a few tremendous games in this series and a few where the Thunder have made him look like a 22-year-old in his first playoffs.

It's not that a Game 7 loss would really hurt Wemby's image as much as a win would elevate him to being the undisputed new face of the NBA. It also delivers a huge blow in what could be an extended rivalry with the Thunder at the top of the West for many years.

Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder

Speaking of rivalries, there's a long-standing one between Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren dating back to their international youth basketball days. Wemby has said there's "no comparison" between him and Holmgren. That's been borne out by Holmgren averaging only 11.8 points and 7.7 rebounds and making just three three-pointers — while getting embarrassed by Wembanyama.

It's hard to blame anyone from having trouble with Wembanyama. Still, Holmgren needs a big Game 7 where he doesn't shy away from his rival — and to play physically instead of flopping for foul calls.

Isaiah Hartenstein, Oklahoma City Thunder

Isaiah Hartenstein has had the most success of anyone on the Thunder in keeping Wembanyama away from the paint and off the glass. He's also developed a quick, high-arcing floater that negates Wemby's shot-blocking ability.

Game 7 isn't just a chance for Hartenstein to meet his old New York Knicks teammates in the Finals. He's also auditioning for his next contract, with the suddenly-expensive Thunder holding a $28.5M option on the big man for next season. Hartenstein could well be playing for his future, either in OKC or elsewhere.

This also holds true for Lu Dort and his $18.2M option for 2026-27.

De'Aaron Fox, San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio traded for De'Aaron Fox to be a second All-Star alongside Wemby. In this series, he's playing through an ankle injury that kept him out of the first two games.

Still, the Spurs don't need him to play at an All-Star level in Game 7. They simply need him to keep protecting the ball — only one turnover in the last three games — while continuing to deliver assists, while providing more than his 1-for-9 shooting effort in Game 6.

Fox is being paid like a superstar by the Spurs. They just need him to be pretty good in Game 7 to earn a reunion with his old Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown in the Finals.