After a stunning Game 7 road win against the Oklahoma City Thunder to close out the Western Conference Finals, the San Antonio Spurs return to the NBA Finals this Wednesday for the first time since winning their fifth championship 12 seasons ago.
Heading into the decisive closer, Spurs rookie Dylan Harper discussed the latest challenge in a postseason filled with adversity.
“I think there’s been a lot of legendary Game 7s,” Harper told reporters after a resounding Game 6 win in San Antonio. “I feel like we’re the group that wants to be a part of that. We want to be a part of that kind of history of Game 7s, so I mean we’re gonna go out there swinging. No matter what, we’re just gonna leave it all out on the table.”
Led by generational talent Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs swung first, and ultimately silenced the Thunder with timely shooting from Julian Champagnie and standout plays from their stellar backcourt.
Wembanyama, who captured Western Conference Finals MVP honors, and teammates Harper and Stephon Castle are now just the second trio in NBA history, age 22 or younger, to each score more than 200 points in a playoff run. The first was the OKC trio of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden.
Following the win, Wembanyama shared both emotion and honesty, telling assembled media he felt like he had no other choice but to close the deal.
“I want to win so bad,” he said. “It’s like my life depends on it.”
San Antonio returns to the center of the basketball universe Wednesday night against a New York Knicks team that’s won a franchise record 11 consecutive playoff games and hasn’t lost a game in more than a month.
The Spurs went 1-2 against the Knicks during the regular season, including a disappointing loss in the NBA Cup final back in December. New York’s depth in the frontcourt has proved to be a difference maker against the Spurs, particularly on the offensive glass.
Expect another strong series from Castle, whose defense on Knicks captain Jalen Brunson will be key for the Spurs. The health of veteran De’Aaron Fox, who’s been playing through a high-ankle sprain since the conference semifinals, could also affect what should be a physical series as the Race for Seis continues.
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