The Future is Now

The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder were knocked off in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, and the betting market has essentially reset the series. Oklahoma City is still laying -6.5 in Game 2, with the total posted at 215.5, but from a series perspective, this is now close to a pick’em.

San Antonio is now 5-1 against Oklahoma City this season, and that cannot be dismissed. The Spurs are still young and still making plenty of mistakes — the 21 turnovers in Game 1 are proof of that — but this team is clearly on a meteoric rise.

The biggest reason is Victor Wembanyama.

He is in the process of becoming the best player in the world, if he is not already there. His impact is everywhere: scoring, rim protection, rebounding, passing angles, defensive intimidation, and the way he changes what opponents are willing to attempt. San Antonio looks live in this series because Wembanyama looks capable of being the most important player on the floor every night.

That said, Oklahoma City is still extremely dangerous. The Thunder are defending champions for a reason. They are young, deep, athletic, and fully capable of taking over the series. It is also highly unlikely Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has another game as poor as Game 1, when he shot just 7-of-23 from the field.

De’Aaron Fox missed Game 1, but he is expected back sooner rather than later and is questionable for Game 2. His return would add another major layer to San Antonio’s offense and make this already electric matchup even more fascinating.

The youth and excitement in this series are off the charts. Wembanyama, SGA, Chet Holmgren, and the next wave of NBA stars are not waiting their turn anymore.

They are here now.