Spurs' Luke Kornet Makes LeBron James Claim After Game 7 Block Against Thunder
The San Antonio Spurs took down the Oklahoma City Thunder, 111-103, in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals on Saturday to advance to their first NBA Finals since 2014, where they will face the Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks.
One of the most important plays of the game came with less than seven minutes to play, as Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein had a breakaway opportunity with his team down by six points, but Spurs center Luke Kornet chased him down and blocked his dunk attempt.
Kornet played just six minutes in Game 7, scoring two points with four rebounds, but he made a play that was possibly a turning point in San Antonio's victorious effort.
This incredible block by Kornet drew comparisons to Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, who has been known for phenomenal chase-down blocks, including his block on Golden State Warriors star Andre Iguodala in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, which helped the Cleveland Cavaliers win the title.
Kornet spoke about these comparisons after the game.
"Someone from the bench yelled: 'Who that is, LeBron James?'" Kornet said, per Spurs Nation on X. "We'll see which one has more staying power in the record books of history."
ARE YOU KIDDING ME LUKE KORNET???
— NBA (@NBA) May 31, 2026
WILD CHASEDOWN BLOCK IN TRANSITION
THE TYPE OF PLAYS YOU NEED TO WIN A GAME 7. pic.twitter.com/FP5Z4T0LHw
Kornet, a nine-year veteran in the NBA, has been a rotational player for the Spurs all year, averaging 21.0 minutes per game in the regular season with 6.5 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.0 blocks.
While Kornet may not be the biggest name in a team full of stars, his Game 7 block will go down as one of the most important plays in the Spurs' run to the NBA Finals.
Game 1 between the Spurs and Knicks in the Finals is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday at Frost Bank Center. It will be broadcast nationally on ABC.
Related: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Comments on Thunder's Offseason After Game 7 Loss
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This story was originally published May 30, 2026 at 9:42 PM.