Now that the 2026 NBA playoffs are in the rearview mirror, I think we can safely crown the 2026 Western Conference Finals as the most epic series clash. Sure, the eventual NBA champion actually became the New York Knicks — despite being contrary to popular belief.
But the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs went the distance in a series that featured the NBA's top two teams all year. Both were 60-win juggernauts that blew teams out left and right. When they faced off, it was a meeting of NBA heavyweights — ala The Rock and John Cena at WrestleMania.
In a Feb. 2026 podcast clip with Dylan Harper that has recently gone viral, what he said on Vince Carter's and Tracy McGrady's 'Cousins' podcast aged like fine wine. Of course, the 20-year-old popped off in the NBA playoffs. He was arguably San Antonio's second-best player in their run to the NBA Finals.
Harper's old comments resurfaced as he pinpointed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams as two of their toughest defensive ******* ignments. The Spurs took four of five over the Thunder in the regular season, but a lot of caveats filled those matchups thanks to injuries.
"Shai and Jalen Williams from OKC," Harper said. "When we first played them, we beat them. But I was like, 'Them two kinda hard to guard.'"