The NBA's Next Great Rivalry Is About To Take Off
The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are set to face off in the 2026 Western Conference Finals, marking a potential new chapter in NBA rivalry history. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama respectively, both teams have shown competitive strength during the regular season. This matchup could evolve into the league's next major rivalry, following in the footsteps of past iconic duels.
- ▪The Thunder and Spurs met five times during the 2025-26 regular season, with the Spurs winning four of those games.
- ▪Victor Wembanyama came off the bench in the first three Spurs victories over the Thunder.
- ▪The Thunder are the reigning NBA champions, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
- ▪The Spurs' combination of Wembanyama and a strong backcourt presents a unique challenge to Oklahoma City's repeat aspirations.
- ▪Historic NBA rivalries often developed through repeated playoff matchups, not regular-season games.
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| Original publisher | Forbes — Business |
| Canonical URL | https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryantoporek/2026/05/16/the-nbas-next-great-rivalry-is-about-to-take-off/ |
| Publication time | Sat, 16 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400 |
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BusinessSportsMoneyThe NBA's Next Great Rivalry Is About To Take OffByBryan Toporek,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Bryan Toporek covers the NBA for Forbes Sports.Follow AuthorMay 16, 2026, 06:00am EDTSAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - DECEMBER 23: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder is fouled on a layup attempt by Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the game at Frost Bank Center on December 23, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThroughout its 80-year history, the NBA has been built on rivalries.Bill Russell vs. Wilt Chamberlain. Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson. Michael Jordan vs. Isiah Thomas and the Bad Boy Pistons. LeBron James vs.
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