The San Antonio Spurs beat the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday in a blowout, 118-91. This tied up the series, 3-3, in the Western Conference Finals.

For the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama led the way, scoring 28 points with 10 rebounds and three blocks. Wembanyama has been taking these conference finals personally because a few years ago, he lost the MVP award to Chet Holmgren at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 World Cup.

Now, Wembanyama looks to show up the Thunder and beat Holmgren in his imaginary rivalry. But first, he needs to beat Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Gilgeous-Alexander only had 15 points on Thursday night, but he is usually the leading star for the Thunder offense. Recently, Gilgeous-Alexander has been foul baiting too much, and this has cost him as a player and the team. If he stops foul-baiting, then he could lead the Thunder to a win in Game 7. 

Gilgeous-Alexander comes with backup, too. Jared McCain and Holmgren also had double-digit points on Thursday and should be respected as major threats to the Spurs’ defense.

Though the Thunder arguably has a better roster and the blueprint to take Game 7, they will not win.

This is because the Thunder still has to guard Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, and Dylan Harper. The San Antonio roster is clicking too much right now for them to lose. They are playing fast and physical basketball. 

Even if the Thunder find a way to stop those three, then they have to stop a fired-up Wembanyama, who is holding a grudge from 2021. The Spurs can also put in Julian Champagnie if all else fails.

OKC has a great team with great players, but the Spurs team is playing with more heart, more motivation, and better teamwork. The Spurs will win Game 7, which will take place at 8 p.m. Saturday.