The Thunder vs Spurs series continues to highlight a high level of basketball. The OKC bench, however, is taking over the spotlight so far. We’ve seen a whole lot of changes from both teams, but it seems that Oklahoma City is finally showing the worth of its depth. It has been quite an eventful Western Conference Finals, and it continues to impress for the side of the defending champs.
For starters, we have seen how the Thunder have responded to adversity twice. They’ve taken a gut punch in Game 1, and they weathered the storm to begin Game 3. The story has been all about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander versus Victor Wembanyama. However, one astounding factor in the game has been the overwhelming presence of the OKC bench. They’ve been the X-factor for the team in these playoffs, and it is paying off now more than ever.
OKC Bench Continues to Shine in Thunder vs Spurs Series
Since winning the 2025 NBA Finals, Oklahoma City has earned praise for its incredible, talented roster. We’ve seen a lot of talk about how the Thunder can go 10-12 players deep in the postseason, which is a little more than the usual rotation of eight or nine players. If anything, the OKC reserves have shown why they are worth the investment, and why Thunder GM Sam Presti deserves his flowers as well.
Bench Power Has Been OKC’s Advantage in the WCF
The playoffs are not all about the star players. Sure, they’re the ones who do the heavy lifting, and they get most of the credit. However, the OKC bench is making a huge difference in these games. In fact, Game 1 showed why the Thunder are really designed to survive onslaughts from opposing teams and even rough stretches from their star players. With Jalen Williams sidelined for most of the postseason, it goes to show how well the team thrives in counting on the next man up.
After going down 0-1, Oklahoma City has gone on to win back-to-back games, including one on the road. The Thunder handled everything pretty well — from surviving a 15-0 opening run by the Spurs, to keeping them at bay despite the raucous San Antonio crowd. In fact, the OKC bench has scored 183 points in the series, a massive difference compared to San Antonio’s 51 points.
The Oklahoma City Thunder showed us all exactly why they’re the Champions tonight! They were down 15-0 to the San Antonio Spurs in the first couple minutes and came back to win the game 123-108. OKC had six players in double figures with big contributions from their bench – Jared…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 23, 2026
In fact, Game 3 of Thunder vs Spurs proved the defending champs can count on their reserves. This battle against San Antonio has been a revelation of OKC’s depth, and they’re undoubtedly showing their grit this series. Just look at their efficiency against one of the best defenses in the league, and they are making it look so easy.
The 3-6-9 Combo Has Been Phenomenal
If there’s one name making a huge buzz in the Western Conference Finals, it’s Jared McCain. The Filipino-American guard has been blazing in the series with his fearless plays. He was instrumental in giving the Thunder a 2-1 series lead on the road, in a very hostile environment at the Frost Bank Center. McCain brought the lightning and thunder as he dropped 24 points on 10-of-21 shooting from the field. While he’s mostly on the 3-point shooting role, the former Sixers guard has definitely proved that he can step up on the biggest stage of his career when it matters most.
Down one Williams in an uphill battle against the Spurs, the Thunder called upon the services of another — in Jaylin Williams. J-Will was instrumental in keeping OKC alive and surviving the early burst from San Antonio. He helped stabilize the game for Oklahoma City as he scored 14 of his 18 points in the first half. By the end of the first quarter, the defending champs were down by five, then took the lead heading into halftime. His four points in the second half came on the crucial 4-point play that helped extend the lead for OKC, staving off any comeback attempt by the Spurs.
We gotta keep it real people. OKC is just a better team. More shooters. More depth. Back to Back MVP in SGA. Their starters only scored 47 points in the whole game and they still won by 15 points because 4 guys off THEIR BENCH scored in double figures.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) May 23, 2026
And when it comes to impact, Alex Caruso has never ceased to be amazing. His high level of play has energized this Thunder team time and time again. We have seen how he’s come alive in each conference finals game. At this point, don’t be surprised if he manages to win the WCF MVP award. So far, Caruso has made 4.6 threes per game in the series. That’s the most since Stephen Curry, who had 4.7 in 32 games played. This says a lot about how he’s been effective so far, and his way of wreaking havoc on defense has helped him become more valuable for the reigning champs.
Doubling SGA Has its Downsides
By now, the Spurs have surely learned their lesson after spending three games doubling SGA, trying to have someone else beat them. It has been quite ineffective for San Antonio, and the second seed in the West has now found themselves down 2-1 heading into Game 4, where the reigning back-to-back MVP has been undefeated in nine games. So far, Gilgeous-Alexander has navigated these defensive adjustments well. To make it worse for the Spurs, the supposed “other guys” are beating them badly, so much so that the tactic of doubling SGA no longer makes sense.
Doubling SGA hasn't worked great for defenses in the playoffs so far 😅 pic.twitter.com/Dzam0HKVsc
— ALL NBA Podcast (@ALLCITY_NBA) May 23, 2026
To that point, it has elevated the Thunder bench to a whole new level. Gilgeous-Alexander has generated 33 assists on seven turnovers. That ratio is quite impressive considering the doubles he’s faced and the defense he has to navigate. If anything, having the bench power has given OKC a huge push that SGA only needs to distribute well. Given how great the Thunder’s bench is, they are reaping the rewards so far.
After regaining home court advantage since that tough Game 1 loss, OKC has rebounded well in recent games. It’s clear that their strong bench presence that has given them a lift in these playoffs. With Ajay Mitchell out for the next clash, and J-Dub still questionable, the defending champions will need everything they can get from their reserves if they are going to win and take a 3-1 lead home for Game 5.
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