Why are the Spurs rebuilding while the Thunder are rising?

The Spurs are transitioning after Gregg Popovich's retirement and aging star players. The Thunder drafted Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in 2018 and have systematically built around him with strategic trades and acquisitions, while also developing young talent like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams.

How do their playing styles differ?

The Spurs traditionally emphasize ball movement, spacing, and structured offense under their coaching philosophy. The Thunder rely on athleticism, defensive pressure, and fast-paced transitions led by SGA's elite scoring and playmaking.

Who has better player development?

Historically, the Spurs were exceptional at player development with Popovich. Currently, the Thunder are developing young stars effectively (Holmgren, Williams), though the Spurs maintain strong institutional systems that have been their hallmark.

What are the realistic expectations for each team?

The Thunder are contenders with SGA leading a talented core, capable of winning 50+ games and making playoff runs. The Spurs are in a development phase, focusing on young talent maturation and establishing new coaching identity.

Which franchise is better positioned for the future?

The Thunder have clear advantages with SGA's elite talent, multiple young stars, and upward trajectory. The Spurs have traditional organizational excellence but require more time to develop their young core into consistent winners.

San Antonio Spurs vs Oklahoma City Thunder

Updated March 28, 2026

San Antonio Spurs

Historic NBA franchise with 5 championships and legendary organizational culture

Fans who value basketball tradition and organizational stability

Check Price

Oklahoma City Thunder

NBA Western Conference leaders with MVP-caliber star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Fans excited about emerging talent and future potential

Short Answer

The Spurs are a historically dominant franchise with 5 championships and a legendary coach, while the Thunder are a younger, more athletically explosive team with star power and higher scoring potential. Both are competitive NBA franchises with different strengths.

Our Verdict

The Oklahoma City Thunder currently hold the advantage in competitive upside with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading a young, talented roster on an upward trajectory. The San Antonio Spurs remain respected for their historic legacy and institutional excellence, though they are in a rebuilding phase. The Thunder represent the present and future, while the Spurs represent basketball tradition.

San Antonio Spurs5.6

9.4Oklahoma City Thunder

Choose San Antonio Spurs if

Fans who value basketball tradition and organizational stability

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Key Differences at a Glance

🔹

Championship Titles: San Antonio Spurs wins (5 championships vs 0 championships)

🔹

Head Coach Tenure: Oklahoma City Thunder wins (Mark Daigneault (2020-present) vs New era post-Popovich)

🔹

Playoff Appearances (Last 5 Years): Oklahoma City Thunder wins (4 appearances vs 1 appearance)

See all 7 differences

Key Facts & Figures

Metric	San Antonio Spurs	Oklahoma City Thunder	Diff
Points Per Game (2025-26)(PPG)	109.5 PPG	—	—
Field Goal Percentage(%)	46.8%	48.2%	-3%
Three-Point Attempts Per Game(3PA)	28.9 3PA	—	—
Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)

Key Differences

San Antonio Spurs

Attribute

Oklahoma City Thunder

5 championships🏆

Championship Titles

0 championships

New era post-Popovich

Head Coach Tenure

Mark Daigneault (2020-present)🏆

1 appearance

Playoff Appearances (Last 5 Years)

4 appearances

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Last updated: March 28, 2026AI generated

Championship Titles

San Antonio Spurs

5 championships🏆

Oklahoma City Thunder

0 championships

Head Coach Tenure

San Antonio Spurs

New era post-Popovich

Oklahoma City Thunder

Mark Daigneault (2020-present)🏆

Playoff Appearances (Last 5 Years)

San Antonio Spurs

1 appearance

Oklahoma City Thunder

4 appearances🏆

Scoring Pace

San Antonio Spurs

Structured, ball movement

Oklahoma City Thunder

Fast, athletic transitions🏆

Star Player Status

San Antonio Spurs

Veteran core rebuilding

Oklahoma City Thunder

SGA elite superstar🏆

Young Talent Development

San Antonio Spurs

Developing younger roster

Oklahoma City Thunder

Multiple young stars emerged🏆

Franchise History Prestige

San Antonio Spurs

Top 5 all-time franchise🏆

Oklahoma City Thunder

Relocated franchise (2008)

Full Comparison

Attribute	San Antonio Spurs	Oklahoma City Thunder

Points Per Game (2025-26)(PPG)	109.5 PPG	—
Three-Point Attempts Per Game(3PA)	28.9 3PA	—
Assists Per Game(APG)	26.4 APG	—

Field Goal Percentage(%)	46.8%	48.2%
Aaron Gordon Field Goal %(%)	N/A	—
Aaron Gordon Three-Point %(%)	N/A	—
Aaron Gordon Free Throw %(%)	N/A	—

Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)	113.7	108.5
Steals Per Game (Team)(steals)	8.9	—

NBA Championships(titles)	5 championships	—
NBA Championship Titles(Titles)	0	—

Victor Wembanyama Points Per Game(PPG)	Victor Wembanyama 24.7 PPG	—

Coach Experience(years)	Gregg Popovich 30 years with team	—

All-Time Championships(titles)	5	0

Playoff Appearances (2021-2026)(appearances)	1	4

Current Star Player Rating(NBA tier)	Veteran stars (declining)	Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Elite)

Average Team Age(years)	27.2	24.8

Coach Tenure(seasons)	New (2024-present)	6 seasons

Last Conference Finals Appearance(year)	2014	Never

Expected Win Total (2025-26)(wins)	35-40	48-52

Offensive Rating Potential(points per 100)	110.5	115.2

Win-Loss Record(games)	54-16	—
Playoff Seed Position(Seed Ranking)	2nd (West)	—
Conference Rank(position)	1st (Western)	—

Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)	119.3	—
Assists Per Game (Team)(assists)	28.4	—
Points Per Game (Team Scoring)(PPG)	116.8	—
Points Per Game(PPG)	118.5	—

Leading Scorer PPG(Points Per Game)	33.4 (SGA)	—

Three-Point Percentage(percent)	37.4%	—
3-Point Percentage(percent)	37.9%	—

Rebounds Per Game (Team)(rebounds)	47.1	—
Rebounds Leader RPG(Rebounds Per Game)	10+ (Holmgren)	—

Wins-Losses Record(W-L)	48-22	—
2023-24 Win-Loss Record(Wins)	56-26	—
Regular Season Record(Wins-Losses)	57-16	—
Conference Standing(Seed Position)	1st Seed	—

Leading Scorer Average(PPG)	28.1 (SGA)	—

Team Assists Per Game(APG)	28.3	—

Bench Scoring(points per game)	26.4	—

Average Points Per Game(points)	117.8	—

All-Star Selections(players)	3 All-Stars	—

Playoff Seed(position)	1st seed	—

Nikola Jokic Points Per Game(PPG)	N/A	—
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Points Per Game(PPG)	30.1 PPG	—

Team Defensive Rating(DRTG)	105.8	—

Playoff Appearances (Last 5 Years)(appearances)	2 of 5	—
Season Record (2025-26)(wins-losses)	47-22	—

Points Allowed Per Game(PPG)	109.3	—

Star Player PPG Average(PPG)	30.2 (SGA)	—

Rebounds Per Game(RPG)	47.1	—

Final Score(points)	126	—

Location	Home - Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK	—

Aaron Gordon Points(points)	N/A	—

Aaron Gordon Plus-Minus(rating)	N/A	—

Game-Winning Play	Gilgeous-Alexander stepback 3P (0:03 remaining) - 126-129	—

Assists Leader APG(Assists Per Game)	10.9 (SGA)	—

Head-to-Head Result (HOU@OKC)(Final Score)	110 points	—

Third Quarter Dominance(Scoring Margin)	Led 52-46 at halftime	—

Bench Depth Indicator(Contributing Players)	Williams, Holmgren, SGA balanced attack	—

San Antonio Spurs

Oklahoma City Thunder

Points Per Game (2025-26)(PPG)

109.5 PPG

—

Three-Point Attempts Per Game(3PA)

28.9 3PA

—

Assists Per Game(APG)

26.4 APG

—

Field Goal Percentage(%)

46.8%

48.2%

Aaron Gordon Field Goal %(%)

N/A

—

Aaron Gordon Three-Point %(%)

N/A

—

Aaron Gordon Free Throw %(%)

N/A

—

Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)

113.7

108.5

Steals Per Game (Team)(steals)

8.9

—

NBA Championships(titles)

5 championships

—

NBA Championship Titles(Titles)

—

Victor Wembanyama Points Per Game(PPG)

Victor Wembanyama 24.7 PPG

—

Coach Experience(years)

Gregg Popovich 30 years with team

—

All-Time Championships(titles)

Playoff Appearances (2021-2026)(appearances)

Current Star Player Rating(NBA tier)

Veteran stars (declining)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Elite)

Average Team Age(years)

27.2

24.8

Coach Tenure(seasons)

New (2024-present)

6 seasons

Last Conference Finals Appearance(year)

2014

Never

Expected Win Total (2025-26)(wins)

35-40

48-52

Offensive Rating Potential(points per 100)

110.5

115.2

Win-Loss Record(games)

54-16

—

Playoff Seed Position(Seed Ranking)

2nd (West)

—

Conference Rank(position)

1st (Western)

—

Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)

119.3

—

Assists Per Game (Team)(assists)

28.4

—

Points Per Game (Team Scoring)(PPG)

116.8

—

Points Per Game(PPG)

118.5

—

Leading Scorer PPG(Points Per Game)

33.4 (SGA)

—

Three-Point Percentage(percent)

37.4%

—

3-Point Percentage(percent)

37.9%

—

Rebounds Per Game (Team)(rebounds)

47.1

—

Rebounds Leader RPG(Rebounds Per Game)

10+ (Holmgren)

—

Wins-Losses Record(W-L)

48-22

—

2023-24 Win-Loss Record(Wins)

56-26

—

Regular Season Record(Wins-Losses)

57-16

—

Conference Standing(Seed Position)

1st Seed

—

Leading Scorer Average(PPG)

28.1 (SGA)

—

Team Assists Per Game(APG)

28.3

—

Bench Scoring(points per game)

26.4

—

Average Points Per Game(points)

117.8

—

All-Star Selections(players)

3 All-Stars

—

Playoff Seed(position)

1st seed

—

Nikola Jokic Points Per Game(PPG)

N/A

—

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Points Per Game(PPG)

30.1 PPG

—

Team Defensive Rating(DRTG)

105.8

—

Playoff Appearances (Last 5 Years)(appearances)

2 of 5

—

Season Record (2025-26)(wins-losses)

47-22

—

Points Allowed Per Game(PPG)

109.3

—

Star Player PPG Average(PPG)

30.2 (SGA)

—

Rebounds Per Game(RPG)

47.1

—

Final Score(points)

126

—

Location

Home - Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK

—

Aaron Gordon Points(points)

N/A

—

Aaron Gordon Plus-Minus(rating)

N/A

—

Game-Winning Play

Gilgeous-Alexander stepback 3P (0:03 remaining) - 126-129

—

Assists Leader APG(Assists Per Game)

10.9 (SGA)

—

Head-to-Head Result (HOU@OKC)(Final Score)

110 points

—

Third Quarter Dominance(Scoring Margin)

Led 52-46 at halftime

—

Bench Depth Indicator(Contributing Players)

Williams, Holmgren, SGA balanced attack

—

Full Comparison

Attribute	San Antonio Spurs	Oklahoma City Thunder

Points Per Game (2025-26)(PPG)	109.5 PPG	—
Three-Point Attempts Per Game(3PA)	28.9 3PA	—
Assists Per Game(APG)	26.4 APG	—

Field Goal Percentage(%)	46.8%	48.2%
Aaron Gordon Field Goal %(%)	N/A	—
Aaron Gordon Three-Point %(%)	N/A	—
Aaron Gordon Free Throw %(%)	N/A	—

Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)	113.7	108.5
Steals Per Game (Team)(steals)	8.9	—

NBA Championships(titles)	5 championships	—
NBA Championship Titles(Titles)	0	—

Victor Wembanyama Points Per Game(PPG)	Victor Wembanyama 24.7 PPG	—

Coach Experience(years)	Gregg Popovich 30 years with team	—

All-Time Championships(titles)	5	0

Playoff Appearances (2021-2026)(appearances)	1	4

Current Star Player Rating(NBA tier)	Veteran stars (declining)	Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Elite)

Average Team Age(years)	27.2	24.8

Coach Tenure(seasons)	New (2024-present)	6 seasons

Last Conference Finals Appearance(year)	2014	Never

Expected Win Total (2025-26)(wins)	35-40	48-52

Offensive Rating Potential(points per 100)	110.5	115.2

Win-Loss Record(games)	54-16	—
Playoff Seed Position(Seed Ranking)	2nd (West)	—
Conference Rank(position)	1st (Western)	—

Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)	119.3	—
Assists Per Game (Team)(assists)	28.4	—
Points Per Game (Team Scoring)(PPG)	116.8	—
Points Per Game(PPG)	118.5	—

Leading Scorer PPG(Points Per Game)	33.4 (SGA)	—

Three-Point Percentage(percent)	37.4%	—
3-Point Percentage(percent)	37.9%	—

Rebounds Per Game (Team)(rebounds)	47.1	—
Rebounds Leader RPG(Rebounds Per Game)	10+ (Holmgren)	—

Wins-Losses Record(W-L)	48-22	—
2023-24 Win-Loss Record(Wins)	56-26	—
Regular Season Record(Wins-Losses)	57-16	—
Conference Standing(Seed Position)	1st Seed	—

Leading Scorer Average(PPG)	28.1 (SGA)	—

Team Assists Per Game(APG)	28.3	—

Bench Scoring(points per game)	26.4	—

Average Points Per Game(points)	117.8	—

All-Star Selections(players)	3 All-Stars	—

Playoff Seed(position)	1st seed	—

Nikola Jokic Points Per Game(PPG)	N/A	—
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Points Per Game(PPG)	30.1 PPG	—

Team Defensive Rating(DRTG)	105.8	—

Playoff Appearances (Last 5 Years)(appearances)	2 of 5	—
Season Record (2025-26)(wins-losses)	47-22	—

Points Allowed Per Game(PPG)	109.3	—

Star Player PPG Average(PPG)	30.2 (SGA)	—

Rebounds Per Game(RPG)	47.1	—

Final Score(points)	126	—

Location	Home - Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK	—

Aaron Gordon Points(points)	N/A	—

Aaron Gordon Plus-Minus(rating)	N/A	—

Game-Winning Play	Gilgeous-Alexander stepback 3P (0:03 remaining) - 126-129	—

Assists Leader APG(Assists Per Game)	10.9 (SGA)	—

Head-to-Head Result (HOU@OKC)(Final Score)	110 points	—

Third Quarter Dominance(Scoring Margin)	Led 52-46 at halftime	—

Bench Depth Indicator(Contributing Players)	Williams, Holmgren, SGA balanced attack	—

San Antonio Spurs

Oklahoma City Thunder

Points Per Game (2025-26)(PPG)

109.5 PPG

—

Three-Point Attempts Per Game(3PA)

28.9 3PA

—

Assists Per Game(APG)

26.4 APG

—

Field Goal Percentage(%)

46.8%

48.2%

Aaron Gordon Field Goal %(%)

N/A

—

Aaron Gordon Three-Point %(%)

N/A

—

Aaron Gordon Free Throw %(%)

N/A

—

Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)

113.7

108.5

Steals Per Game (Team)(steals)

8.9

—

NBA Championships(titles)

5 championships

—

NBA Championship Titles(Titles)

—

Victor Wembanyama Points Per Game(PPG)

Victor Wembanyama 24.7 PPG

—

Coach Experience(years)

Gregg Popovich 30 years with team

—

All-Time Championships(titles)

Playoff Appearances (2021-2026)(appearances)

Current Star Player Rating(NBA tier)

Veteran stars (declining)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Elite)

Average Team Age(years)

27.2

24.8

Coach Tenure(seasons)

New (2024-present)

6 seasons

Last Conference Finals Appearance(year)

2014

Never

Expected Win Total (2025-26)(wins)

35-40

48-52

Offensive Rating Potential(points per 100)

110.5

115.2

Win-Loss Record(games)

54-16

—

Playoff Seed Position(Seed Ranking)

2nd (West)

—

Conference Rank(position)

1st (Western)

—

Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)

119.3

—

Assists Per Game (Team)(assists)

28.4

—

Points Per Game (Team Scoring)(PPG)

116.8

—

Points Per Game(PPG)

118.5

—

Leading Scorer PPG(Points Per Game)

33.4 (SGA)

—

Three-Point Percentage(percent)

37.4%

—

3-Point Percentage(percent)

37.9%

—

Rebounds Per Game (Team)(rebounds)

47.1

—

Rebounds Leader RPG(Rebounds Per Game)

10+ (Holmgren)

—

Wins-Losses Record(W-L)

48-22

—

2023-24 Win-Loss Record(Wins)

56-26

—

Regular Season Record(Wins-Losses)

57-16

—

Conference Standing(Seed Position)

1st Seed

—

Leading Scorer Average(PPG)

28.1 (SGA)

—

Team Assists Per Game(APG)

28.3

—

Bench Scoring(points per game)

26.4

—

Average Points Per Game(points)

117.8

—

All-Star Selections(players)

3 All-Stars

—

Playoff Seed(position)

1st seed

—

Nikola Jokic Points Per Game(PPG)

N/A

—

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Points Per Game(PPG)

30.1 PPG

—

Team Defensive Rating(DRTG)

105.8

—

Playoff Appearances (Last 5 Years)(appearances)

2 of 5

—

Season Record (2025-26)(wins-losses)

47-22

—

Points Allowed Per Game(PPG)

109.3

—

Star Player PPG Average(PPG)

30.2 (SGA)

—

Rebounds Per Game(RPG)

47.1

—

Final Score(points)

126

—

Location

Home - Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK

—

Aaron Gordon Points(points)

N/A

—

Aaron Gordon Plus-Minus(rating)

N/A

—

Game-Winning Play

Gilgeous-Alexander stepback 3P (0:03 remaining) - 126-129

—

Assists Leader APG(Assists Per Game)

10.9 (SGA)

—

Head-to-Head Result (HOU@OKC)(Final Score)

110 points

—

Third Quarter Dominance(Scoring Margin)

Led 52-46 at halftime

—

Bench Depth Indicator(Contributing Players)

Williams, Holmgren, SGA balanced attack

—

San Antonio Spurs vs Oklahoma City Thunder

San Antonio Spurs

Oklahoma City Thunder

Short Answer

Our Verdict

Track this comparison

Key Differences at a Glance

Key Facts & Figures

Key Differences

Related Comparisons

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Full Comparison

Visual Comparison

Pros & Cons

San Antonio Spurs

Pros

Cons

Oklahoma City Thunder

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

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Learn More

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Full Comparison

Visual Comparison

San Antonio Spurs vs Oklahoma City Thunder

San Antonio Spurs

Oklahoma City Thunder

Short Answer

Our Verdict

🔔Track this comparison

Key Differences at a Glance

Key Facts & Figures

Key Differences

Related Comparisons

Explore Entities

More Sports

People Also Compare

Full Comparison

Visual Comparison

Pros & Cons

San Antonio Spurs

Pros

Cons

Oklahoma City Thunder

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources & Learn More

Learn More

Wikipedia

Videos

Full Comparison

Visual Comparison

Track this comparison