点击查看原文：Spurs vs. Thunder, Game 5: Spurs fall in OKC, shift focus to Game 6
Spurs vs. Thunder, Game 5: Spurs fall in OKC, shift focus to Game 6
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) goes up to block a shot by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the third quarter of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Returning to Oklahoma City for the biggest game of the season, the Spurs slogged to a 127-114 loss to the Thunder that puts San Antonio on the brink of elimination, trailing 3-2 after Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.
Victor Wembanyama scored 20 points on 4-of-15 shooting with six rebounds but never reached the level of dominance he’s shown at other points in the playoffs, looking out of rhythm most of the way.
Stephon Castle had 24 points and Julian Champagnie had 22, but the Spurs were unable to keep pace with a 32-point night from Thunder MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The series shifts back to San Antonio for Game 6 at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, with the Spurs needing a win to force a decisive Game 7. Catch up on live updates and reaction following the Game 5 letdown:
When San Antonio has gotten the better of Oklahoma City, Victor Wembanyama has been borderline heroic. He poured in 41 points and 24 rebounds with a clutch 30-foot 3-pointer in overtime to lift the Spurs in Game 1, and he exploded for 33 points and a buzzer-beating half-court heave to help San Antonio pull out Game 4.
In Tuesday’s Game 5, Wembanyama was mortal, finishing with 20 points on 4-of-15 shooting, including 0 for 5 from beyond the arc, with six rebounds. The Spurs know they need more from their star to have a chance of recovering in the series, even as the Thunder try everything in their power to contain him.
“I think they send so many bodies toward him, it’s hard, at times,” Spurs guard Stephon Castle said. “I think he just wants to make the right play and wants to win, so it’s tough. But he’s our best player, so yeah, we need him to be aggressive. I feel like him being aggressive opens up shots for other guys.”
Spurs’ Stephon Castle, on OKC’s efforts to limit Victor Wembanyama: “I think they send so many bodies toward him, it’s hard, at times. I think he just wants to make the right play and wants to win, so it’s tough. But he’s our best player, so yeah, we need him to be aggressive.” pic.twitter.com/PoDmrzsiMO
— Spurs Nation (@ Spurs_Nation) May 27, 2026
San Antonio limited Oklahoma City to just 82 points in a Game 4 win on Sunday, marking the Thunder’s lowest scoring total in any game since Dec. 2, 2021.
The Thunder crossed the 82-point threshold within the first four minutes of the third quarter in Game 5, retaking control of the series.
“I thought they wanted the game more than we did,” Spurs forward Julian Champagnie said. “We were a step late to a lot of stuff tonight.”
Spurs forward Julian Champagnie, on a Game 5 loss to the Thunder: “I thought they wanted the game more than we did. We were a step late to a lot of stuff tonight.” pic.twitter.com/DmG7T3B5iL
— Spurs Nation (@ Spurs_Nation) May 27, 2026
Oklahoma City rediscovered its shooting touch, hitting 14 of 32 (43.8%) from 3-point range and going 33 for 38 (86.8%) at the free-throw line, including a 16-for-17 performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the way to 32 points.
San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson said the Spurs need to be careful with their physicality in situations when the Thunder aren’t threatening, avoiding any contact that might cause the official to blow the whistle.
“In the second quarter we for sure had some times where, fouls or not, we need to be more aware of when we’re in the bonus,” Johnson said.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson, on OKC getting to the free-throw line: “In the second quarter for sure we had some times where, fouls or not, we need to be more aware of when we’re in the bonus." pic.twitter.com/vt4oUYC4C8
— Spurs Nation (@ Spurs_Nation) May 27, 2026
Johnson pointed to all-around defensive issues for San Antonio, with the Spurs aligning in the wrong positions on certain coverages and making incorrect decision on that end of the floor.
“It just felt like it was a little bit of everything, in terms of we did not put ourselves in position enough to be successful on each possession,” Johnson said. “To beat a team of this caliber in their building with the stakes, we’ll need to be a lot better to give yourself a chance.”
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson, on the defense in Game 5: “It just felt like it was a little bit of everything. … To beat a team of this caliber in their building with the stakes, we’ll need to be a lot better to give yourself a chance.” pic.twitter.com/C6tw9iHDke
— Spurs Nation (@ Spurs_Nation) May 27, 2026
For the first time in Victor Wembanyama’s career, the Spurs will face a do-or-die playoff game, needing to win Game 6 on Thursday in San Antonio to avoid elimination.
“Sink or swim. You have your back against the wall, and you have to win by any means,” Spurs forward Keldon Johnson said. "Whatever we have to do to get the win. Don’t really try to deviate or do anything different. Just triple down on what we do or what we’re good at, and I think we’ll be in great shape.”
Keldon Johnson, on a do-or-die Game 6: “Sink or swim. You have your back against the wall, and you have to win by any means. Don’t really try to deviate or do anything different. Just triple down on what we do or what we’re good at, and I think we’ll be in great shape.” pic.twitter.com/xq22HotgCF
— Spurs Nation (@ Spurs_Nation) May 27, 2026
Despite the Game 5 loss in Oklahoma City, Spurs guard Stephon Castle said he felt San Antonio “created a lot of advantages” that the team can build on with a better shooting performance.
“Stick to our process and continue to trust that,” Castle said. “That’s what’s gotten us this far, and I think that’s what’s going to carry us back here.”
Spurs guard Stephon Castle, on regrouping for Game 6: “I don’t think it will be difficult… Stick to our process and continue to trust that. That’s what’s gotten us this far, and I think that’s what’s going to carry us back here.” pic.twitter.com/ZVQbJpwW1Z
— Spurs Nation (@ Spurs_Nation) May 27, 2026
San Antonio guard De’Aaron Fox simply wants to see a sense of desperation.
“We have to be willing to fight back. Lose today, then lose in two days, and your season is over. We don’t want that to happen,” Fox said. “You just want to come in and try to be the desperate team. That’s pretty much it.”
Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox, on regrouping for Game 6: “We have to be willing to fight back. Lose today, then lose in two days, and your season is over. We don’t want that to happen. … You just want to come in and try to be the desperate team. That’s pretty much it.” pic.twitter.com/fndnagggX5
— Spurs Nation (@ Spurs_Nation) May 27, 2026
Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs have seemed a step slow and out of sync most of the way, still searching for a breakthrough as the Thunder hold a double-digit lead with under eight minutes to play.
Compounding matters for San Antonio, Keldon Johnson and Stephon Castle both have five fouls and will have to be on their best behavior the rest of the way.
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) passes the ball during the third quarter of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson was assessed a technical foul after he was unable to initiate a replay review late in the third quarter, adding another chapter to the conversation around officiating in the Western Conference finals.
A ball out of bounds that was awarded to the Thunder was clearly off of Chet Holmgren’s foot on video replays, but Oklahoma City was allowed to inbound the ball and start play before Johnson could get the officials’ attention to execute a challenge. The resulting argument led to a technical foul on Johnson.
Combined with a missed goaltending call against the Thunder’s Cason Wallace defending a putback by Luke Kornet, the Spurs fans have plenty to be upset about as they had to the fourth quarter with a 10-point deficit.
San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox (4) talks to his teammates during the third quarter of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Keldon Johnson’s rebound after the Dylan Harper miss with the Spurs trailing 87-73 was a big one.
That extra possession led to Castle sinking a 3, with Keldon picking up the assist. Big-time energy sequence from the struggling Sixth Man of the Year.
He’s also got 11 points on 5 of 6 from the field.
-Tom Orsborn
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) reacts to a play during the third quarter of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
After Oklahoma City built its largest lead of the series at 20 points, San Antonio’s Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle and Keldon Johnson knocked down consecutive 3-pointers to close the gap.
The Spurs unleashed a 14-2 run that forced the Thunder to call timeout with the lead down to single digits about midway through the third quarter.
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) tries to go up for a shot during the third quarter of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Oklahoma City ripped off the first seven points of the second half, forcing a San Antonio timeout with the Thunder holding their largest lead of the game at 18 points.
The Spurs have seemed a step slow and out of sync most of the night, and they’ll need to find their form soon to keep Game 5 within reach.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) fouls San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) during the second quarter of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper aren’t off to the strongest of offensive starts.
Fox is 1 of 8 in the first half. Harper is 1 of 3 with three turnovers. Castle has salvaged the backcourt with 12 points, most of it coming from the foul line (7 of 8).
On paper, the Spurs should have an advantage here with a pair of key guards out for OKC (Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell).
Instead, OKC has been able to win the backcourt matchup so far.
If the Spurs cannot get more from their guards in this one, it will be tough to recover from their 11-point halftime deficit
–Jeff McDonald
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) goes up to block a shot by Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) during the second quarter of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
It’s no surprise that two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has found a way to break free to the tune of 19 first-half points after Stephon Castle led a defensive charge that held him to just 19 in Game 4.
The surprise is that Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso are playing so well on the offensive end. Holmgren has 12 points after scoring 10 in Game 4.
Caruso, who took only one shot and failed to score in Game 4, already has 14 tonight on 3 of 4 from the field, 2 of 3 from deep and 6 of 6 from the free throw line.
Holmgren has been aggressive from the start. The same is true of Caruso, although he’s also benefiting from the Spurs once again being a step slow to contest the Thunder’s perimeter shots.
Suffice it to say, though, the Thunder have several players determined to make amends for stinking it up in Game 4.
-Tom Orsborn
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) falls to the ground during the second quarter of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Stepping up to the plate in Game 4, Victor Wembanyama was at the center of the Spurs offense by attempting 22 shots in 31 minutes — his highest rate of the playoffs — on the way to 33 points.
He’s been much slower to get involved during the first half of Game 5, hitting just 2 of 6 shots to enter the break with 11 points and just one rebound.
Julian Champagne leads San Antonio with 17 and Stephon Castle has 12, but Oklahoma City’s bench has been back on form in Game 5, scoring 27 points to drive the Thunder to a 69-58 halftime lead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has 19 points, and Chet Holmgren has 12.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) handles the ball during the second quarter of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Dylan Harper has been a breakout star this postseason, and was spectacular in Game 1 of the conference finals. But since leaving Game 2 with what the team classified as an adductor injury, he’s looked like a shell of himself.
The rookie point guard has insisted the injury hasn’t been bothering him. But in Games 3 and 4 combined, he was held to only 13 points on 4-of-11 shooting, with four assists and four turnovers.
In Game 5, he had only two points in his first seven-minute shift, and he turned the ball over three times without an assist.
–Mike Finger
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) goes up for a shot during the first quarter of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Keldon Johnson said the Spurs should expect Game 5 to be a dog fight, and he’s embodied that spirit early, muscling his way inside for a dunk to cap a 9-0 San Antonio run and force and Oklahoma City timeout.
After trailing by double digits, the Spurs have trimmed the Thunder’s lead to one point midway through the second quarter.
San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) reaches for the ball during the first quarter of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
After the fans at the Frost Bank Center serenaded Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with “flopper” chants during Sunday’s Game 4, the OKC fans at the Paycom Center turned the tables in Game 5, using the same chant as Victor Wembanyama lined up for free throws.
Wembanyama seemed to embellish the contact from Jaylin Williams that landed him at the free-throw line early in the second quarter, throwing his head back after being bumped on the shoulder. Wemby is far from having the reputation for foul baiting that SGA has earned in recent years, but turnabout is always fair play.
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) goes up for a shot during the first quarter of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
As the Thunder were making a run to the NBA title last year, one of their defining qualities was the ability to rip off lightning-quick scoring runs.
The Spurs were just on the receiving end of one of those spurts, as Oklahoma City ripped off a 10-1 run in just 70 seconds to take a lead early in the second quarter.
San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) dunks the ball during the first quarter of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Sharpshooting forward Julian Champagnie came into the game mired in a shooting slump.
But there he was firing away in the first quarter — and sinking them.
Champagnie scored 13 points on 5 of 8 from the field and 3 of 6 from 3-point range to lead the Spurs in scoring.
He came into the game shooting a miserable 19.4% from distance (6 of 31) and averaging just 7.8 points. He was 0 of 5 from deep in Game 4.
But he seems poised to eclipse the playoff career-high 19 points he had in Game 5 against Portland in the first round.
There’s still a long way to go, but it’s an impressive start for a player who struggled to find his stroke in the first four games.
-Tom Orsborn
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) goes up for a shot while surrounded by defenders during the first quarter of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
The Spurs’ Carter Bryant connected on a driving dunk and then knocked down a 3-pointer from the wing, giving him five early points off the bench.
Victor Wembanyama, meanwhile, went nearly nine minutes before his first shot attempt on Tuesday, throwing down a lob dunk off a feed from Keldon Johnson. He subbed out a few seconds later, finishing the first quarter with just two points in nine minutes.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was out to a similarly slow start for the Thunder, missing his first four shots, but he found his footing during the final two minutes of the quarter, knocking down a 3-pointer and scoring four points at the free-throw line.
San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet (7) goes up for a rebound during the first quarter of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Julian Champagnie needed less than six minutes to match his highest scoring total of the Western Conference finals, pouring in 11 points to start Game 5.
He knocked down a trio of 3-pointers and scored inside against Chet Holmgren, fueling San Antonio’s offense out of the gate.
San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox (4) handles the ball during the first quarter of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Fueled by a raucous crowd at the Paycom Center, the Thunder started out strong defensively, forcing four straight misses and a pair of turnovers from the Spurs to open Game 5.
Stephon Castle hit a 3-pointer and De’Aaron Fox scored at the basket to help the Spurs get settled into the game, and a pair of 3-pointers from Julian Champagnie lifted San Antonio to an 11-6 lead at the first timeout about four minutes in.
Jalen Williams (left hamstring) and Ajay Mitchell (right calf) will both miss Game 5 due to injury, as Jared McCain makes his first playoff start.
Williams returned to open the Western Conference finals after missing the previous six games due to the injury, but he checked out of Game 2 after just seven minutes on the court and is yet to return.
Mitchell started in Williams’ place in Game 3, but Tuesday will mark his second straight game missed due to the injury.
McCain emerged as a surprising star in Game 3 with 24 points, but he was limited to just four points in 24 minutes during Game 4.
The Spurs used a dominating defensive performance to draw even at 2-2 in the Western Conference finals with a 103-82 win in Game 4 on Sunday in San Antonio, holding the Thunder to its lowest scoring total in any game since Dec. 2, 2021.
The stakes will be just as high for a pivotal Game 5 on the road Tuesday, and Keldon Johnson isn’t backing down from the challenge.
“This is the biggest game of the season, right here tonight,” Johnson said. “It’s going to be a dog fight. It’s going to be tough. But I feel like we’re built for the moment, we’re built for these times, and I feel like we’ll show it tonight.”
Spurs’ Keldon Johnson ahead of Game 5: "This is the biggest game of the season, right here tonight. … It’s going to be a dog fight. It’s going to be tough. But I feel like we’re built for the moment, we’re built for these times, and I feel like we’ll show it tonight.” pic.twitter.com/bSded5rcDg
— Spurs Nation (@ Spurs_Nation) May 26, 2026
After hounding Thunder MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander most of the night in a Game 4 win, Spurs guard Stephon Castle accidentally and unknowingly sent a message that Oklahoma City can expect more of the same in Game 5.
As SGA was arriving to the arena Tuesday, showing off his pregame outfit on his walk through the tunnels of the Paycom Center, there was Castle, lurking in the background. Never too early to start picking up on defense.
SGA ARRIVES FOR GAME 5 
OKC seeks a 3-2 series lead in the West Finals!
SAS (2-2) OKC, Game 5
8:30pm/et on NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com/x1Kc7LpBaK
— NBA (@ NBA) May 26, 2026
Castle fell just a few voter points short of NBA All-Defensive team recognition, but coach Mitch Johnson suggested the snub will only act as fuel.
“Not just this series but what he’s done all year and all playoffs, he’s an all-NBA defender," Johnson said, "and I think he’ll be pretty motivated to continue to prove it until he gets on that team next year.”
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson on Stephon Castle missing out on All-Defensive recognition: “Not just this series but what he’s done all year and all playoffs, he’s an all-NBA defender, and I think he’ll be pretty motivated to continue to prove it until he gets on that team next year.” pic.twitter.com/zbrOSzrLR0
— Spurs Nation (@ Spurs_Nation) May 26, 2026
Johnson received nine first-place votes from the 100-member panel and totaled 133 points, finishing well behind Mazzulla (392) and Detroit’s J.B. Bickerstaff (312).
Before tipoff of Game 5 against Oklahoma City, Johnson talked about the process he and his staff undergo in an effort to become better coaches.
“You just play a lot of hypotheticals and throw a lot of things against the wall and argue with your staff,” Johnson said, “just for the sake of arguing and making each other think a little bit more.”
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson on becoming a better coach: “You just play a lot of hypotheticals and throw a lot of things against the wall and argue with your staff, just for the sake of arguing and making each other think a little bit more.” pic.twitter.com/lDQRo4LzCt
— Spurs Nation (@ Spurs_Nation) May 26, 2026
The Spurs brought playoff tunnel-fashion energy with them to Oklahoma City on Tuesday night, blending luxury streetwear, Texas flair and understated designer fits ahead of a pivotal Game 5 matchup against the Thunder.
With the Western Conference Finals tied 2-2, San Antonio arrived carrying both confidence and style, turning the pregame tunnel into a showcase of personality before one of the biggest games of the season.
