Spurs Dethrone Thunder in Game 7, Advance to NBA Finals

May 30, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates after defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in game seven of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

I started the evening in an elevated photo spot and later moved to the floor, tucked along the baseline with my camera, watching the intensity build possession by possession inside Paycom Center. The full picture was slowly coming into view as the fourth quarter moved along: the Oklahoma City Thunder’s season was slipping away, and the San Antonio Spurs were playing like a team ready for the NBA Finals.

San Antonio defeated Oklahoma City 111-103 in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, ending the Thunder’s run and moving on to face the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals.

From court level, you could feel every drive, every closeout, every reaction. From above, you could see the Spurs’ spacing, patience, and game execution. The Thunder had moments where the building felt ready to explode, but San Antonio kept answering.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 35 points and 9 assists, doing everything he could to keep the Thunder alive. But the Spurs had balance across the floor. Victor Wembanyama finished with 22 points, Julian Champagnie added 20 points, including six made threes, and San Antonio got key contributions from Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, Keldon Johnson, and Devin Vassell, who all scored in double figures.

For Oklahoma City, it was a tough ending to a championship caliber season. For San Antonio, it was a statement.

From my view behind the lens, Game 7 had everything from pressure, emotion, star power, and the kind of moments that remind you why playoff basketball feels different when you’re standing just feet away from it.

See the photos I shot during the game along with fellow photographer Jerome Miron using the button below.