RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesCason Wallace reveals that the Thunder have taken their losses to the Spurs personally originally appeared on The Sporting News .
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In the 2026 Western Conference Finals, it was clear that the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs ' rivalry was just getting started. It was already competitive because of the star power on both teams, but it seems the Spurs had the Thunder 's number all season.
Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs won the postseason series, but they also won the regular season series. This can be attributed to the Spurs taking everyone by surprise, including the Thunder. However, the Thunder will need to learn from this matchup, especially since they have now ignited a new rivalry.
Cason Wallace speaks about the fiery rivalry between the Spurs and the Thunder
As one of the Thunder's main perimeter stoppers, Cason Wallace had his hands full during the matchup against the Spurs. He had to defend against De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle, who are all tough backcourt players to defend.
Wallace is likely the Thunder's best perimeter defender now with Lu Dort's exit. The Thunder have refreshed their roster ahead of the 2026-27 season, but they are motivated by the loss they suffered against the Spurs in the postseason.
MORE: Victor Wembanyama's unselfishness makes Dylan Harper call him one of the most genuine people ever
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way for the Thunder, anything is possible. However, they know they will have a massive challenge playing against a Wembanyama-led Spurs team. However, Wallace has revealed that this team is motivated and is ready to get their revenge.
"Absolutely. I feel like they’ve got the best of us. They beat us; if we're just keeping it a 100, they beat us. They beat us in the season, they beat us in the Playoffs. So it’s like we got to fight back," Wallace said to Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter on the Cousins podcast .
"For us to have the best record in the league 2-3 years in a row, and then for them to come in and this postseason do what they did, it’s like our competitive spirit is like, yo, we got to beat them."
The Western Conference is in good hands with the Spurs and the Thunder. With this kind of motivation, Wallace and the rest of OKC's players will be dangerous when the 2026-27 season tips off.
More NBA news:
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Chet Holmgren gets honest about the Thunder's offseason moves
The financial reason behind Sam Presti's decision to trade Lu Dort
Dylan Harper is not too bothered about the Spurs' decision
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