Spurs and Thunder Prepare for Pivotal 5th Matchup

The two Western Conference powerhouses look to settle the score after a heated December clash.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:47pm

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The San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder are set to face off for the fifth and final time in the regular season, with both teams looking to prove their December matchups were no fluke. The Spurs won three straight games against the defending champion Thunder in December, but OKC bounced back with a decisive victory in January. Now, the two top teams in the West are ready to battle it out once again, with the Spurs hoping to rediscover the form that made them look unstoppable against the Thunder just a couple months ago.

Why it matters

This matchup could have major implications for the Western Conference standings, as the Spurs and Thunder are currently the top two teams in the West. The Spurs are looking to show their December dominance was legitimate, while the Thunder want to reassert their status as the team to beat in the conference.

The details

In their three December meetings, the Spurs were able to neutralize the Thunder's fast-paced, high-scoring attack by utilizing the size and defensive presence of 7'4" All-Star Victor Wembanyama. However, the Thunder bounced back with a 119-98 victory in January, showing they can adjust their style to counter the Spurs' strengths. Both teams have key playmakers, with the Spurs relying on guards like De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and rookie Dylan Harper, while the Thunder are led by potential MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

  • The Spurs and Thunder first met in the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas on December 15, 2025, with the Spurs winning 111-109.
  • The teams then faced off in San Antonio on December 25, 2025, with the Spurs winning 130-110.
  • Their third matchup came on Christmas Day, with the Spurs defeating the Thunder 117-102 in Oklahoma City.
  • The Thunder got their revenge on January 13, 2026, winning 119-98 in Oklahoma City.
  • The fifth and final regular season meeting between the Spurs and Thunder will take place on Wednesday, February 5, 2026 in San Antonio.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

A 7'4" All-Star center for the San Antonio Spurs who has been key to the team's success in slowing down the Thunder's high-powered offense.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The star guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder who is a leading MVP candidate and the engine that drives the team's fast-paced attack.

Julian Champagnie

A Spurs forward who noted that the Thunder were particularly aggressive and physical in their January victory, saying "They wanted our heads."

Jalen Williams

A Thunder forward who acknowledged the intense rivalry between the two teams, saying "This team makes us play 48 minutes of basketball to where we've got to really pay attention, and it's extremely fun to play against them throughout the season."

Mitch Johnson

The head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, who is cautious about labeling the Spurs-Thunder matchup as a true rivalry given the Thunder's status as the defending champions.

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What they’re saying

“They wanted our heads.”

— Julian Champagnie, Spurs forward (expressnews.com)

“It's never about the other team. It's always about us. We've gotten to where we've got because we've focused on ourselves.”

— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder guard (expressnews.com)

“This team makes us play 48 minutes of basketball to where we've got to really pay attention, and it's extremely fun to play against them throughout the season.”

— Jalen Williams, Thunder forward (expressnews.com)

“We've had a pretty good start to the year. They're the NBA champs. I would not want to disrespect them and try to say we're a rivalry because we've had a couple good months.”

— Mitch Johnson, Spurs head coach (expressnews.com)

“Of course they came prepared, but I don't think they changed too many things. They trusted their own identity.”

— Victor Wembanyama (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This matchup between the Spurs and Thunder highlights the intense rivalry that has developed between the two Western Conference powerhouses. Both teams are looking to prove their December and January results were no fluke, setting the stage for a pivotal clash that could have major implications for the conference standings.