Spurs vs Thunder Preview: Round 3 Thriller Heats Up

The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder and the surging San Antonio Spurs are locked in an absolute battle. The series is tied 2-2, and Tuesday's Game 5 is do-or-die intensity. You've seen these teams trade punches all series long. San Antonio dominated Game 4 at home, winning 103-82 and silencing the Thunder's offense. But Oklahoma City struck back hard in Game 2, winning 123-108. Both teams know what's on the line. One win gets you closer to the Finals. One loss sends you home. This is playoff basketball at its best.

You can't talk about this series without mentioning Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs' 7-foot-4 superstar is putting together an MVP-level season and looks like a future NBA legend. He's scoring, blocking shots, and playing smothering defense every single night. But Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning MVP for a reason. He runs the Thunder's offense like a maestro, scoring and dishing assists with incredible skill. Chet Holmgren anchors OKC's defense with 7-foot-1 length, while Holmgren can also shoot from three-point range. The matchup between these stars will decide everything.

Don't sleep on the role players here. De'Aaron Fox runs point guard for San Antonio, dishing assists and scoring when needed. Stephon Castle, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, brings two-way magic with his versatility. Devin Vassell can light it up from deep, shooting over 40 percent from three recently. For Oklahoma City, Cason Wallace is a lockdown defender with hands everywhere. Jalen Williams is questionable with a hamstring strain but brings all-around elite play when healthy. Isaiah Hartenstein just posted a career triple-double against Orlando. These depth pieces could tip the scales in Game 5.