Thunder say no excuses, just 'get better' as title reign ends

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A team that looms as a long-term roadblock ended the Oklahoma City Thunder's hopes of repeating as NBA champions.

The first of what could be several playoff series between these talented, young Western Conference powers ended with Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs celebrating on the Paycom Center court after advancing to the NBA Finals with a 111-103 win over the Thunder in Game 7 on Saturday.

Despite a series of key injuries throughout the season, the Thunder again had the NBA's best record at 64-18. But the 62-20 Spurs were a thorn in the Thunder's side, winning four of the five regular-season matchups and eliminating Oklahoma City in the NBA Cup semifinals and again in the West finals.