Spurs vs. Thunder has the ingredients to be a rivalry ... but it's not there yet

Key Points:

• The Oklahoma City Thunder lead the Western Conference Finals series against the San Antonio Spurs 2-1, showcasing superior depth, smarter adjustments, and better composure despite missing key player Jalen Williams.
• The Spurs have struggled with injuries to key players like De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper, and Victor Wembanyama has yet to consistently impact the series, highlighting the team's challenges in this playoff run.
• The Thunder's bench has been dominant, outscoring the Spurs' reserves 76-23 in Game 3, emphasizing their strength in depth and contributing significantly to their series lead.
• While the Spurs-Thunder matchup has the potential to develop into a major NBA rivalry due to young cores, strong front offices, and competitive spirit, it has yet to reach that level of intensity or balance in the postseason.
• Spurs coach and players acknowledge the need for improvement and resilience to extend the series and establish a true rivalry, with Wembanyama recognizing the importance of elevating his game and overcoming physical, strategic challenges posed by the Thunder.