The Oklahoma City Thunder have seen their fair share of rivalries over the years. From the bruising battles with the Grit 'N Grind Grizzlies to the high-stakes showdowns with the Heatles and the legendary Spurs dynasty, OKC has never been short on drama. And let’s not forget the unforgettable clash with the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 Western Conference Finals - Game 6 still echoes in Thunder fans' memories.
But that was the first era of Thunder basketball. This new chapter, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a rising core, is writing its own story.
And every great story needs a worthy antagonist. For a while, it looked like Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks might fit the bill.
But with the Mavericks taking a different direction under Nico Harrison, a new contender has emerged. Right now, the Denver Nuggets are the clear measuring stick - a team that shares OKC’s spot at the top of the Western Conference and features an annual MVP-level duel.
The Houston Rockets have lingered on the edges of rivalry status for years. From the James Harden trade saga to the Westbrook vs.
Harden MVP debates, and now with both franchises climbing out of their respective rebuilds, there’s always been tension. The Rockets even added a little extra spice by signing Kevin Durant, adding another wrinkle to their long-running connection with Oklahoma City.
But if you’re looking for the team that feels like the Thunder’s true foil for the rest of this decade - the one that could ignite a rivalry with real staying power - look no further than the San Antonio Spurs.
And it’s not just media hype. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander himself sees the potential.
When asked whether OKC vs. San Antonio could become the league’s best rivalry, he didn’t hesitate.
“Possibly. Yeah, there’s a good chance,” Gilgeous-Alexander told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
“They’re young. Really good.
Have a lot of talent, play the right way. They play a good brand of basketball.
Yeah, definitely a possibility. I’ve noticed that anything can happen in a couple of years.
It’s definitely a possibility. Not 100% but definitely a possibility.”
That quote came on the heels of a game that might have lit the match. In a high-stakes NBA Cup showdown, the Thunder jumped out to a 16-point lead, only to watch the Spurs claw their way back and steal a 111-109 win.
It was a game that had everything - momentum swings, high-level execution, and just the right amount of tension. It felt like a playoff game in December.
And it left Thunder fans with a bitter taste, especially after hearing what Victor Wembanyama had to say afterward.
“Some people are built for this moment and some aren’t,” Wembanyama said after the win. “We are built for it.”
Whether that was a direct shot at the Thunder or just a confident rookie speaking his mind is up for debate. But in OKC, it didn’t go unnoticed. Neither did his comments about “pure and ethical basketball” or the fact that he sidestepped giving Chet Holmgren any praise in a pregame interview.
The league didn’t need much more reason to lean into the Wembanyama vs. Holmgren dynamic - two unicorns, both 7-footers with guard skills, anchoring the front lines of two up-and-coming Western Conference teams.
It’s a dream matchup, and the NBA knows it. That’s why Thunder vs.
Spurs is locked in for a Christmas Day showcase. It’s not just a nod to the future - it’s a recognition that the future is already here.
And with the Spurs rapidly climbing the contender ranks, this isn’t just about two young stars. This is about two franchises on a collision course.
The Thunder are the defending champs. The Spurs want that crown.
And Wembanyama, for all his generational talent, isn’t shying away from the spotlight - or the smoke.
What started as a theoretical rivalry is quickly becoming something real. There’s history in the making here, and it’s not just about Wemby vs.
Chet. It’s about two teams with young cores, elite coaching, and championship aspirations.
It’s about pride, style, and maybe even a little bit of bad blood.
By the end of this season, Thunder-Spurs might not just be OKC’s fiercest rivalry - it might be the best rivalry in the entire league. And if this is just the beginning, buckle up. The next chapter of Western Conference basketball is going to be must-see TV.