NBA Games on TV – Tuesday, May 26, 2026 (ET)
The Western Conference Finals continue with a pivotal Game 5 as the San Antonio Spurs travel to face the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the series tied 2–2, this matchup effectively becomes a best-of-three battle for a place in the NBA Finals.
🏀 Game of the Day: San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 5)
8:00 PM ET | NBC, Peacock
The Spurs responded in a big way in Game 4, delivering a dominant 103–82 win to level the series. That performance shifted momentum back toward San Antonio after two straight losses and completely changed the tone of the matchup.
Victor Wembanyama continues to be the defining factor in the series. His impact on both ends of the floor has created major problems for Oklahoma City, especially when the Thunder’s perimeter shooting cools off. In Game 4, San Antonio’s defensive adjustments helped hold the reigning champions to just 82 points.
De’Aaron Fox’s return added stability to the Spurs’ offense, particularly as a playmaker, while the coaching adjustment to keep Wembanyama on the floor longer early in games has significantly improved San Antonio’s control of momentum.
On the other side, Oklahoma City must regroup after a poor shooting night from beyond the arc and an underwhelming performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. When SGA is contained, the Thunder’s offensive ceiling drops noticeably, especially with key injuries limiting their depth.
The Thunder’s path back to control of the series depends heavily on improved efficiency, especially from three-point range, where their variance has dictated both wins and losses. Supporting contributions from players like Alex Caruso remain critical given the injury situation.
X-Factor – Spurs: Wembanyama’s minutes and defensive dominance. His extended early-game presence has shifted the entire series’ rhythm.
X-Factor – Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring efficiency and ability to avoid defensive pressure without forcing perimeter-heavy possessions.
Prediction: Expect a tight, high-intensity battle in Oklahoma City. The Thunder’s home-court advantage and experience in close playoff games give them a slight edge in what should be a physical and momentum-heavy Game 5.
Series Context
With the series tied 2–2, both teams have proven they can win convincingly when their strengths are clicking. Oklahoma City dominated Games 2 and 3 with perimeter shooting, while San Antonio controlled Game 4 with defense and interior dominance.
Game 5 now becomes a pivotal turning point, with adjustments, health, and late-game execution likely to determine which team takes control heading into the final stretch of the series.
The Western Conference Finals remain evenly balanced as both the Spurs and Thunder continue trading momentum in a tightly contested series.