Spurs-Thunder WCF: First 62-Win Series Since 1998

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May 18, 2026

Spurs-Thunder WCF: First 62-Win Series Since 1998

The Spurs-Thunder WCF tips off Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC, pairing Victor Wembanyama against MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Spurs-Thunder WCF: Wembanyama vs SGA Headlines Generational Matchup

ESPN’s Zach Kram reports the Western Conference Finals is the first playoff series this century between two 62-win teams. The Thunder finished 64-18 in the regular season. The Spurs finished 62-20 in the regular season. The last matchup of two 62-win teams was the 1998 NBA Finals.

Yahoo Sports notes 10,170 days have passed between 62-win playoff series. The Spurs went 4-1 against the Thunder in regular season play. The Spurs won the December NBA Cup semifinal in Las Vegas by two points. The Spurs then beat the Thunder twice more in December by a combined 35 points.

Victor Wembanyama enters the series as the unanimous Defensive Player of the Year. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander enters as the back-to-back NBA MVP. The Thunder bring a plus-16.6 playoff point differential into the series. The Spurs bring a plus-15.9 playoff point differential into the series.

ESPN’s NBA insiders surveyed league executives on the Spurs-Thunder WCF matchup. The Thunder enter on an 8-0 playoff run. The Spurs enter 8-3 in the playoffs. Game 1 tips Monday at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The Thunder hold home-court advantage through the series.