Spurs-Thunder Game 1 Delivers Record-Breaking TV Viewership Numbers
Almost every NBA fan was glued to their screen on Monday for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder. It was a big night for Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, since he was presented the KIA MVP award before the contest.
However, Victor Wembanyama spoiled SGA's big night and led the Spurs to a 122-115 double overtime win with his 41 points, 24 rebounds and three blocks. Wembanyama's conference finals debut was one of the most talked-about topics on the internet.
The NBA claims that record TV and social media engagement were produced by the first game of the best-of-seven series. Monday's game was the highest average viewership for a Western Conference Finals Game 1, with 9.2 million viewers on NBC/Peacock.
The league also stated that it had received 1.3 billion views on social media, the most for a Conference Finals game.
The San Antonio Spurs' double-overtime victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder to open the Western Conference Finals generated record engagement across TV and social media:
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 20, 2026
Delivered the highest average viewership for a Western Conference Finals Game 1 on record, averaging 9.2… pic.twitter.com/zbwlQe9OYS
On social media, Wembanyama became the hottest topic. His nickname "Wemby," was the top trending topic on the social media platform X across the globe for eight hours. The Spurs-Thunder game's effect carried over to the next day and was the most Google-searched topic on Tuesday.
Fans are eager to see how Game 2 between the Spurs and Thunder unfolds. Because of what the top two teams in the West gave to the fans in Game 1, they expect the series to intensify in the succeeding games.
Even former NBA star Magic Johnson sent out a warning to the NBA after what he saw from both teams.
Magic Johnson Has "Bad News" for the NBA After the Spurs-Thunder Game 1
The former star of the Los Angeles Lakers was impressed by what he witnessed in the Spurs and Thunder, demonstrating their merit as the top two teams in their conference. On X, Johnson told NBA fans that both teams might dominate the West in the future and that no other team might be able to compete against them.
"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," the Lakers legend said. "The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are just that good! They are talented, deep, athletic and both teams are well coached."
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. The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are just that good! They are talented, deep, athletic and both teams are…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 19, 2026
While the highlight of Game 1 was Wembanyama's performance, the Thunder also tried to make it competitive. The two-time MVP finished with 24 points on a poor 7-for-23 shooting, but it wasn't enough for OKC, as they suffered their first loss of the postseason.
Related: Former NBA All-Star Assigns Blame on Thunder's Loss to Spurs
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This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 4:41 PM.