The unfortunate reality is that things can change quickly in the NBA. For nearly a decade, the ‘Splash Bros’ over in Golden State haunted Oklahoma City. Then, a year ago, the Thunder exercised those sayings by not only returning to the NBA Finals but also cementing themselves in history by winning their first-ever title.
Now, in the present time, May 30th, this iteration of the Thunder has yet to meet the moment in Game 6s (0-4), after failing to rise to the challenge in a 118-91 blowout loss on Thursday night.
With Game 7 now on the horizon, the tone has shifted as Oklahoma City’s potential dynasty is at its highest threat. The coaches, players, and the organization itself recognize the stakes. Making Jalen Williams available in Game 6, despite clearly not being 100 percent healthy.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander himself acknowledged the importance and, in fact, said Game 7 is the biggest game of his career.
Dynastic Talks Have Reached an Inflection Point
San Antonio’s (much like OKC’s) rapid ascension has become their biggest thorn in the present and is shaping to be in the future.
No team is better equipped to defend the back-to-back MVP since his rise to stardom. The Spurs have smothered and limited him to his worst performance in a series in these Western Conference Finals.
In six games, he’s averaging 24.3 points and 8.8 assists to 3.2 turnovers while shooting 37.9% from the floor, 40.9% from two, and 26.1% from three.
This matchup continues to be the worst for Chet Holmgren. This led him to set career lows and diminish his impact altogether. Williams has now been ruled out for Game 7. Ajay Mitchell has been out since Game 3. The Thunder reserves, who’ve already won multiple games in this series, need to continue to play at an unsustainable level.
Defense, depth, and continuity have gotten the Thunder to this point. Led by the consistency of their superstar, which has rippled down to every man on the roster. Creating a well-oiled machine, no matter the circumstances. The traits and sustainability all form the makings of the next dynasty.
However, with the unpredictability of the NBA, nobody predicted this Western Conference foe to be this dominant this soon. A once-in-a-lifetime player who could stress OKC’s historic in ways no one else could while taking their greatest strength. Add in their surplus of talent, including a pair of top four picks who are impending rising stars. San Antonio can care less about experience and waiting their turn; their message is clear — they are here now and are the team to dethrone the Thunder.
May 30th will be a defining moment in both the Thunder’s and the NBA’s history, as their place in dynasty talks rests on it, or these talks will shift to the opposition in this series, with Victor Wembanyama’s reign beginning and San Antonio making its declaration.
Main Image: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
