The Oklahoma City Thunder open the 2026-27 NBA season Tuesday night with a road matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, and there is no shortage of storylines heading into this one. These two teams just went through a seven game battle in the Western Conference Finals, and neither side has forgotten how that series ended.

For the Thunder, this is an early chance to show what they learned from that experience. Opening night is only one game out of 82, but against a team that knocked them out of the playoffs last season, there is a little more riding on it. 

Here are three things Oklahoma City needs to do to come away with a win:

The Spurs have made it clear that they view the Thunder as a rival. A lot. Oklahoma City, on the other hand, has been much less willing to acknowledge it.

That might not seem like a big deal, but the difference in how these teams approach the matchup is worth paying attention to. San Antonio played with confidence and an edge during last season’s playoff series, and the Spurs ultimately came out on top in seven games. The Thunder have to recognize that the Spurs aren’t just another team on the schedule anymore.

Oklahoma City doesn’t need to start talking trash or change their personality to prove a point. But they do need to understand what this matchup means to San Antonio and come into the game with that same level of urgency. The Spurs have already shown they believe they can beat the Thunder when it matters.

The Thunder have spent the offseason moving forward, but they shouldn’t forget how that series ended. If San Antonio sees this game as another opportunity to make a statement, Oklahoma City needs to be ready to answer.

Victor Wembanyama is going to block shots. That’s part of what makes him one of the most difficult players in the league to score against. But the Thunder can’t let his presence alone change the way they attack the basket.

Oklahoma City needs to make Wembanyama move. Use screens, get him involved in actions away from the rim and force him to make decisions defensively. The more time he spends moving around the floor, the harder it becomes for him to simply sit in the paint and wait for someone to challenge him.

At the same time, the Thunder can’t become hesitant when they do get to the rim. Wembanyama will get his blocks, but Oklahoma City can’t afford to pass up good scoring opportunities just because he’s standing there. Sometimes, you have to challenge a great defender and make him prove he can stop you.

If the Thunder can find that balance, they can make life much more difficult for San Antonio’s defensive anchor.

The Thunder have always been comfortable playing at a high pace, but the preseason offered glimpses of a team looking to push things even further. That needs to carry over into opening night.

San Antonio has the length and rim protection to make scoring difficult when its defense is set. The longer the Thunder wait to attack, the more opportunities Wembanyama and the Spurs have to get into position and make things uncomfortable.

Oklahoma City needs to push after rebounds, take advantage of turnovers and look for opportunities before San Antonio can get everyone back. That doesn’t mean forcing shots or rushing possessions. It means being decisive and making the defense react instead of allowing it to get comfortable.

The Thunder have the personnel to turn defensive stops into easy points. If they can do that while matching the Spurs’ intensity, they’ll give themselves a good chance to start the season with a win.