Spurs Star Fires Blunt Warning at OKC Thunder 3 Days Before Season Opener

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Spurs Star Fires Blunt Warning at OKC Thunder 3 Days Before Season Opener

SAN ANTONIO, TX -MARCH 6: Carter Bryant #11 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates with Devin Vassell #24 after he scored against the Los Angeles Clippers in the second half at Frost Bank Center on March 6, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) Getty

Adel Ahmad · HEAVY

Sat, Oct 17, 2026 ·

4 min read

Spurs Star Delivers Blunt Message to Thunder Ahead of Opening Night

GettySAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – JUNE 13: Devin Vassell #24 and Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs react during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks in Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 13, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

There is plenty of buzz ahead of Tuesday's inner-conference showdown, with the Spurs looking to prove why they are the reigning Western Conference champions and the Thunder out to prove why it was the champion two seasons ago. Ahead of opening night, Spurs star Devin Vassell had a cold message for the rival Thunder.

"Two teams not liking each other at all, and I think we have a couple of those right now. Pretty self explanatory. I don't think I have to say any names, but you'll see. And I think it starts on Oct. 20."

Talk about what's good for the NBA and what isn't, this budding rivalry could run the league for years to come.

The fascinating part is how quickly things came to be. A year ago this time, no one viewed the Spurs and Thunder as rivals; in fact, the Spurs weren't even seen as an elite team, much less a contender, while most felt the Thunder had no equal after a dominant 68-win regular season led to the first title in franchise history.

But once the Spurs showed they had the Thunder's number in the regular season, fans picked up on a developing storm between young teams in the West. By midseason, most felt San Antonio and Oklahoma City were on a collision course to meet in the conference finals.

Who Has the Edge in Season Opener?

The Spurs are set to host the Thunder at Frost Bank Center on Oct. 20. The good news is that both teams are expected to be fully healthy, though there is some uncertainty about the status of star forward Tobias Harris , who was signed in free agency.

Based on what we saw in recent matchups between both teams in San Antonio, it seems like the Spurs have the upper hand. The silver and black have won their last two games against the Thunder in Frost Bank Center, including a dominant 27-point victory in Game 6 of the conference finals.

But it is fair to take that with a grain of salt. The Thunder haven't had its full army against the Spurs since the two teams met last January, a game Oklahoma City won convincingly.

Barring the unexpected, the Spurs and Thunder are set for an exciting season-opening clash. We'll see who starts the season with a statement win.

This article was originally published on HEAVY