Oklahoma City aims for a commanding 3-1 series advantage in the Western Conference Finals tonight
Category: Sports
The Oklahoma City Thunder will face the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Finals on May 24, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET. The Thunder currently lead the series 2-1 after winning the last two games, including a decisive 123-108 victory in Game 3.
This matchup is particularly important as teams that hold a 2-1 lead in a best-of-seven series have advanced 78.4% of the time historically. The Thunder have demonstrated strong playoff performance, boasting a 13-2 record all-time with such a lead, whereas the Spurs have struggled, holding a 2-13 record when trailing 2-1 in playoff series.
Game 4 will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock, allowing fans to tune in from various platforms, including DirecTV and YouTube TV. The Thunder will look to capitalize on their recent momentum, having outperformed the Spurs in key areas, especially during the second half of games.
In their recent Game 3 win, the Thunder showcased their depth, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the team with 26 points and 12 assists. Jared McCain contributed significantly off the bench, scoring 24 points, and Jaylin Williams added 18 points. This performance from the bench was particularly notable, as the Thunder's reserves scored a franchise-record 76 points, outpacing the Spurs' bench by a staggering 119 points over the series so far.
Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs' standout player, also had a solid performance in Game 3, scoring 26 points, but the team struggled to maintain their early lead after starting the game with a 15-0 run. The Thunder's ability to rally from behind has been a hallmark of their playoff run, and they are now the only team remaining in the playoffs without a loss on the road, holding a perfect 5-0 record.
Injuries continue to loom large in this series. Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell will not play due to a right calf strain, and Jalen Williams is questionable with left hamstring soreness. For the Spurs, De'Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper are expected to play, providing a boost to the team as they aim to even the series.
The stakes are high for both teams in Game 4. Should the Thunder secure a win, they would take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series, a position from which teams have historically advanced 95% of the time. Conversely, the Spurs are desperate to avoid falling into a 3-1 hole, a scenario they have never successfully navigated in franchise history, having lost all ten previous attempts in such situations.
Game 4 will also serve as a platform for Wembanyama to demonstrate leadership and adaptability, especially after acknowledging the need to improve his playmaking for teammates. He expressed accountability following the loss, stating, "I feel like I have trouble making my teammates besser right now. I need to be more of a team player." His ability to adjust in high-pressure moments could be a deciding factor for the Spurs.
As the playoffs progress, fans will follow closely closely for the outcome of the game and for the announcement of the 2025-26 All-NBA Teams, scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on the same day as Game 4. This recognition may impact player morale and performance as the postseason continues.
The series began on May 18, 2026, with the Spurs winning a thrilling double-overtime game, 122-115. The Thunder responded with back-to-back victories, including their latest win, which showcased their resilience and depth. The Spurs, who finished the regular season with a strong 62-20 record, are looking to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since the 2013-14 season. Meanwhile, the Thunder, with a record of 64-18, are aiming to defend their championship title.
Historically, the Spurs lead the all-time postseason series against the Thunder 20-17, and they also won the regular-season series 4-1. This adds an extra layer of intensity to the rivalry, as both teams strive to assert their dominance in the playoffs.
As the Thunder prepare for this must-win game, they will rely on their star players and the strong performance of their bench to secure victory. The Spurs, on the other hand, must find a way to overcome their recent struggles and play to their strengths, particularly in the early stages of the game.
With the series hanging in the balance, the anticipation for Game 4 is building. Fans can catch the action live on NBC and Peacock, with tip-off set for 8 p.m. ET at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. The outcome of this game will have a lasting impact on the series and the playoff aspirations of both teams.
As the Thunder and Spurs clash once again, attention will turn to the court to see which team can seize the moment and take a step closer to the NBA Finals.