In the 2025-26 NBA season, the Oklahoma City Thunder seemed unstoppable, even without their second-best player, Jalen Williams. They rocketed to a 24-1 start, making a consecutive championship look like a done deal. But then came the San Antonio Spurs, who had other plans.
Meeting for the first time in the semifinals of the NBA Cup, the Spurs showcased a brand of basketball that seemed to unravel the Thunder's seemingly invincible offense. By forcing the ball out of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s hands, they challenged the Thunder's supporting cast to step up. Adding to OKC's woes, Victor Wembanyama emerged as a thorn in their side, scoring 22 points in just 21 minutes.
The rivalry didn't stop there. The Spurs and Thunder clashed four more times, with San Antonio claiming victory in three of those matchups.
This dominance has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. Former NBA star Rashad McCants, speaking with The SportsRush’s Nickeem Khan, shared his early confidence in the Spurs.
“I picked the Spurs from the beginning, I’m gonna ride with them to the end,” McCants said. “I felt like they just had the best training camp, and they came into it with high hopes, inspiration, and motivation to actually get this thing on track.”
At the season's outset, the Spurs were a wildcard in terms of championship potential. With talents like Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper, the ingredients were there. Yet, consistent high-level winning had eluded them.
A major setback hit when Wembanyama and Fox, having played only a few games together, were separated due to Wembanyama’s diagnosis with blood clots, sidelining him for the season. The previous season saw the team finish with a 34-48 record, far from Play-In contention. But the Spurs have made an impressive leap to become a championship favorite.
“Mitch Johnson has his own era of Spurs basketball that he’s implementing that they’ve all bought into,” McCants added. “I think De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Devin Vassell have something to prove. They have a team full of guys that go out there with a chip on their shoulders.”
This hunger for greatness is evident in every game. Currently sitting at the second seed with a 48-18 record, the Spurs aren't easing up. Instead, they're pushing harder, making it intriguing to see if McCants’s championship prediction holds or if it becomes another close call.