San Antonio pushed the Western Conference Finals to a seventh game after a 118‑91 rout that swung momentum toward the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama erupted with two 3‑pointers in the first 90 seconds, silencing critics who questioned his night‑to‑night consistency. The win evened the series, forcing a decisive showdown on Saturday for both teams ahead Friday.

Meanwhile, the NBA Draft Lottery has been reshaped to curb intentional losing. The new “3‑2‑1” model awards two lottery balls to the three worst teams, while the next seven receive three. The change also bans a team from holding the No. 1 pick in consecutive drafts, a rule that will penalise the Memphis Grizzlies in 2026.

The Spurs’ comeback keeps their championship aspirations alive, while the Thunder face a crucial turnaround led by Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander. His performance in this series will shape his legacy; a strong finish could cement his status as an All‑Star. The outcome will also determine the Western Conference’s final face‑off against the Eastern Conference’s top seed team.

The NBA’s lottery overhaul also echoes broader league efforts to increase competitiveness. By limiting repeat top picks, the league aims to balance talent distribution and reduce the appeal of tanking. As teams prepare for the 2026 draft, the new rules will force owners to recalibrate their long‑term strategies, tightening the path to a title for.