Oklahoma City Thunder Eliminated from NBA Playoffs: Season Recap and Analysis

San Antonio Spurs End Oklahoma City Thunder’s Playoff Hopes in Dramatic First-Round Exit

When the San Antonio Spurs clinched a 112-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5 of their first-round NBA playoff series, it wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. The Spurs, seeded seventh in the Western Conference, completed a 4-1 series upset to eliminate the Thunder, who entered the postseason as the third-seeded favorites. The result sent shockwaves through the league, altering the playoff narrative and raising questions about the Thunder’s championship aspirations.

The series, which unfolded over two weeks in April 2024, showcased the Spurs’ trademark resilience and the Thunder’s inability to adapt under pressure. For the Thunder, the loss marked the end of a season that had seen them reach the Western Conference Finals in 2023, while the Spurs’ victory underscored their ability to thrive in high-stakes environments.

How the Spurs Pulled Off the Upset

The Spurs’ path to the second round was anything but straightforward. Despite being the lower seed, San Antonio’s depth, veteran leadership, and strategic adjustments proved decisive. Head coach Gregg Popovich, in his 23rd season, orchestrated a series of in-game adjustments that neutralized the Thunder’s star power. Key to the Spurs’ success was their ability to contain Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s All-Star guard, who averaged 28.3 points per game during the regular season but struggled to find consistency against San Antonio’s physical defense.

“We knew they had the talent, but we also knew they’d be tested,” Popovich said after the series clincher. “Our guys stepped up when it mattered.”

The Spurs’ offensive efficiency was another critical factor. Guard Dejounte Murray, who averaged 22.6 points and 8.1 assists per game in the series, became the focal point of San Antonio’s attack. His ability to create opportunities for his teammates, combined with the emergence of rookie Victor Wembanyama, who averaged 14.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, provided the Spurs with a balanced offensive threat.

The Turning Points of the Series

The series was defined by its back-and-forth nature, with each team trading wins before the Spurs gained momentum in Games 4 and 5. A pivotal moment came in Game 3, when the Thunder led by 12 points in the fourth quarter but collapsed under San Antonio’s relentless pressure. The Spurs outscored Oklahoma City 35-18 in the final 12 minutes, with Murray scoring 12 of his game-high 28 points during that stretch.

This Was The Last Team To Eliminate The Thunder in the Playoffs! 😳

Another defining moment occurred in Game 5, when Wembanyama’s 22-point, 10-rebound double-double in the fourth quarter sealed the Spurs’ victory. His ability to dominate inside against the Thunder’s frontcourt, which included the 6’10” Jalen Williams and 7’0” Chet Holmgren, highlighted the Spurs’ strategic advantage in matching up against Oklahoma City’s size.