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De’Aaron Fox in action during the Spurs’ playoff run as he signals he’s ready for Game 1 against the Thunder.

The San Antonio Spurs are back in Oklahoma City to play the Thunder in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals. 

Both teams delivered an all-time classic in Game 1.

The opening game of the series went to double-overtime. It was just the sixth time in NBA playoffs history that a game went to six periods.

While San Antonio came out of Game 1 with a thrilling seven-point victory, it was without star guard De’Aaron Fox, who was ruled out with an ankle injury.

Unfortunately, the Spurs will once again be without their 28-year-old star.

Wrote NBA insider Shams Charania on X: “Spurs’ De’Aaron Fox is expected to miss his second consecutive contest in Game 2 tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to a right high ankle sprain, sources tell ESPN.”

Spurs Without De’Aaron Fox Again

Fox’s injury once again leaves head coach Mitch Johnson in a position to make a major lineup adjustment.

GettyVictor Wembanyama #1 and Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrate after their 122-115 double overtime victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game One of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center on May 18, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

In Game 1, Johnson deployed a lineup with standout rookie guard Dylan Harper playing major minutes at shooting guard. The 20-year-old Harper logged 24 points. He converted just 40% from the field, but he had 20 shot attempts, which showcased his fearlessness and poise on an intense stage.

The Spurs flexed their fabulous depth in the Game 1 win; their guards played with pace and didn’t hesitate going toe-to-toe with Oklahoma City stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. 

But they’ll need a repeat performance to hold off the Thunder again. That’s far easier said than done.

Without Fox, the Spurs are likely to play the same starting lineup they used in Game 1, which featured second-year guard Stephon Castle at point guard and Sixth Man of the Year winner Keldon Johnson as the two-guard.

San Antonio Must Brace for Incredible OKC Response

GettyOklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lets out the emotion. More of that on the way.

Oklahoma City is the defending champion; it’ll want to show that muscle in a big way tonight.

Gilgeous-Alexander, the freshly named MVP, is in line for a massive bounce back game after he shot just 7-for-23 from the floor in Game 1. He’ll make a lot of those shots in Game 1. He has proven his greatness time and time again.

Also rounding back into form is Williams, who returned to playoff action after nearly a month off due to a hamstring strain. Williams logged 26 points in Game 1. He is in line to play even better than he did in Game 1.

Many focused their attention on Chet Holmgren after Game 1. The skilled seven-foot big man didn’t have his best showing to open the series, but he has had a spectacular postseason overall. He is the third option on a fully healthy Thunder team, and a pretty good one at that. 

The Thunder trio aims to produce some big time moments in Game 2. 

Tip off from Paycom Center is set for 7:30 p.m.