For quite some time, the Western Conference has been widely regarded as the NBA’s strongest conference. From Kobe Bryant‘s Lakers facing Dirk Nowitzki‘s Dallas Mavericks in 2011 to the clashes of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook against Steph Curry in the mid-2010s, the West has a history of competitive battles. Buckets that came easy in the regular season disappear when the postseason arrives.
Now, the future trajectory of the conference lies in the hands of the Victor Wembanyama-led San Antonio Spurs and the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Although the series hasn’t concluded yet, with Game 7 tonight at 8 p.m. ET, there are several lessons the Toronto Raptors can learn from this series. They could also incorporate some of the same schemes next year, as they look to avoid yet another early postseason exit.
What Can the Toronto Raptors Learn From the 2026 Western Conference Finals?
Depth is Everything
The philosophy of surrounding your star player with quality pieces has redefined team-building across the NBA. If you look at recent championship teams, they’re not surrounded by a “Big 3.” The 2023 Denver Nuggets, ’24 Boston Celtics and ’25 Thunder have all utilized this strategy to win big. It’s just that now teams are behind, trying new ways to replicate that same formula.
The Spurs are another example, which is why they are where they are today. Throughout the series, both teams have demonstrated the value of role players. Bench scoring, perimeter defense, 3-point shooting, and playmaking are what contenders need when droughts transpire.
The Raptors can learn an important lesson from how San Antonio and Oklahoma City’s rosters are built. Both teams not only have depth, but have acquired high-level defenders who are not ball-dominant. They also don’t force shots when the centerpieces, like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Victor Wembanyama, have off nights.
Toronto’s rotational players were promising despite a short postseason, coming in at sixth for bench scoring with 32.3 points per game. As the Queen City continues to build around Scottie Barnes, strengthening the supporting cast this offseason could help Toronto gain an advantage over its Eastern Conference rivals.
Thanks to underrated pieces like Collin Murray-Boyles, Jamal Shead, Ja’Kobe Walter and AJ Lawson, Toronto’s promising depth was on display in the first round. Turning these players into consistent difference-makers when Barnes, Brandon Ingram or RJ Barrett sit is the next step in their career development.
Taking Advantage of Opponents
This year’s Western Conference Finals has been filled with themes throughout every game. However, what stands out most is how both teams have found ways to exploit each other’s weaknesses.
In Game 1, it was Gilgeous-Alexander who struggled, shooting 7 of 23 from the field despite a 24-point night. San Antonio took advantage, finding ways to draw fouls, rebound at a high level, and knock down corner threes. OKC retaliated in Game 4, holding three of San Antonio’s key players (Devin Vassell, De’Aaron Fox, and Wembanyama) below their usual scoring averages.
In terms of significance, this is something Toronto should pay close attention to. The Raptors’ lineups over the years relied on talent, athleticism, speed and versatility. Where adjustments and execution are the deciding factors, talent is not always enough.
Defense Matters Most
The famous saying “defense wins championships” has been proven right once again. In spite of the countless off nights that come with the intensity of playoff basketball, defense means everything. In total, the amount of steals this series has been off the charts, with both teams combining for 119. Toronto had 64 in the first round alone.
All in all, the playoffs come down to which team can make an impact on defensive possessions. 64 steals is still high, but the Spurs and Thunder have shown that aggressive defense can change the outcome of a game. The teams that communicate, force turnovers and force shots have an advantage compared to others. As this series has shown, defense is the key to a title.
The Last Word
A Game 7 loss was devastating for Toronto Raptors fans; however, improvement not only requires a willingness to change but also to learn from the best. This year’s conference finals emphasizes that — as cliché as it sounds. Hopefully heading into next season, the Raptors’ playing style looks completely different as head coach Darko Rajaković enters his fourth year in “the 6ix.”
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