Oklahoma City star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gave the San Antonio Spurs full credit after they defeated the Thunder in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals - and he can imagine battling the Spurs in the playoffs for years to come.
"They're young, talented, well-coached, play the right way, seems like they like each other. They have the makeup. You don't beat us without the makeup," the reigning MVP said postgame when asked to assess the Spurs as a potential roadblock to the Thunder's future title hopes, per The Athletic's Joel Lorenzi.
San Antonio knocked out the defending champs with a 111-103 victory Saturday to secure the franchise's first Finals berth since winning its fifth title in 2014.
Victor Wembanyama led the way for the Spurs during his first postseason run. He's averaged 23.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.5 blocks, and 2.7 assists across 17 appearances.
The towering Frenchman was the unanimous winner of the Magic Johnson Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the Western Conference finals.
Second-year guard Stephon Castle and rookie Dylan Harper also had their share of signature moments for San Antonio in their respective playoff debuts.
The Spurs' average age of 25 years and 20 days old this postseason makes them the second-youngest squad in the Finals since minutes were first tracked in 1951-52, according to ESPN Insights.
Oklahoma City should be on next year's shortlist of contenders. However, with Jalen Williams' and Chet Holmgren's rookie extensions kicking in for the 2026-27 campaign, the Thunder could be forced to make some cost-cutting moves to get below the salary cap's second apron.
Gilgeous-Alexander was asked what kind of input he'd give on the team's offseason decisions, and he expressed full faith in general manager Sam Presti to put the Thunder in position to compete for another championship.
"I will give zero input. I will let Sam Presti - the greatest GM ever - do his job," Gilgeous-Alexander said, according to ESPN.
