After Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, Magic Johnson told the rest of the NBA it may have to accept either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs winning the West for the next 5–7 years—because both teams are talented, deep, athletic, and w
The Western Conference Finals barely got going, and Magic Johnson was already delivering a warning that sounded more like a challenge than a prediction.
After Game 1 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs, the Los Angeles Lakers legend said the rest of the NBA could be stuck watching only those two teams contend for—or even win—the Western Conference Finals over the next 5–7 years.
On X. Johnson wrote: “I hate to break the news to the rest of the Western Conference. but they may not have a chance to win the Western Conference Finals for the next 5-7 years.” He followed it up with a blunt assessment of what makes those teams so hard to dislodge: “The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are just that good!. They are talented, deep, athletic and both teams are well coached.”.
Game 1 provided the kind of performance that makes opinions like Johnson’s feel less like talk and more like a firm read on what’s coming. The Spurs took the game at OKC with a 122-115 double-overtime victory—one of the best games of the season. Victor Wembanyama delivered a tournament-level stat line, finishing with 41 points, 24 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks.
Johnson’s message lands in a very specific place: right after the West’s first major statement game. If the Thunder and Spurs can stack results like that immediately—and do it with teams Johnson describes as “talented. deep. athletic” and “well coached”—then the rest of the conference is left trying to catch up. not just to a series. but to an emerging reality.
For now, the series has its early answer in the scoreboard: the Spurs won Game 1, and Wembanyama put a signature on the moment with 41 points and 24 rebounds in a 122-115 double-overtime finish at OKC.
Magic Johnson Thunder Spurs Western Conference Finals Game 1 Victor Wembanyama double overtime
So basically Lakers fans are just doomed for 5-7 years? Got it.
Magic is saying Thunder or Spurs win the West… ok but like doesn’t that mean every other team just gave up already? also double overtime sounds exhausting, I can’t even watch 1 overtime.
Wait I thought Wembanyama plays for the Thunder now or something? Like I get he’s big and all but 41/24 is wild either way. If Magic says it’s gonna be 5-7 years I feel like the NBA will just rig it for those teams tbh.
I don’t buy the “only those two teams” thing. Teams have off nights, injuries, refs being weird, you name it. Also Game 1 was just one game, not a whole prophecy. But yeah Wembanyama dropping 41 and Spurs winning double OT… that’ll get repeated everywhere.