Wembanyama powers Spurs in 2OT opener; Canadiens win Game 7 to reach ECF

On Monday, May 18, 2026, Victor Wembanyama powered the San Antonio Spurs to a 122-115 double-overtime victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference Finals. The rookie center delivered a dominant all-court display to open the series on the road. On the ice, the Montreal Canadiens edged the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 in overtime in Game 7 to advance to the NHL Eastern Conference Finals.

Wembanyama finished with 41 points, 24 rebounds and three blocks, carrying the Spurs in a tense opener decided deep into a second extra period. San Antonio closed out the marathon despite the absence of DeAaron Fox due to an ankle injury, underscoring the magnitude of the French star’s performance. The result gives the Spurs an immediate foothold in a best-of-seven that figures to be played at playoff pace and physicality from the start.

Beyond the box score, the manner of the win matters for San Antonio. Wembanyama’s rim protection and second-chance scoring stabilized the Spurs in key stretches, while his late-game shotmaking helped tilt the balance against a Thunder team that has been strong in clutch situations all season. The opener also tested rotation depth, with extended minutes across both benches in a game that stretched well past regulation.

Oklahoma City now faces an early response test. Containing Wembanyama on the glass and reducing San Antonio’s second-chance looks will be priorities, while the Thunder will also look to generate cleaner half-court offense after prolonged stretches of grind-it-out basketball. San Antonio, meanwhile, will monitor workload and recovery after a double-overtime opener and await any updates on Fox’s ankle ahead of the next game.

Canadiens edge Sabres in OT; Hurricanes await in East final

In the NHL, the Canadiens advanced with a 3-2 overtime win against the Sabres in a decisive Game 7. Alex Newhook scored the game-winning goal in overtime, sealing Montreal’s place in the Eastern Conference Finals. With the victory, the Canadiens set up a matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes in the next round.

The series win continues a resilient spring for Montreal, which leaned on timely scoring and tight defensive structure in elimination moments. Newhook’s finish provided the decisive moment, and the Canadiens’ ability to manage nerves in sudden-death situations carried them through another pressure-packed night. Across the bracket, the Western Conference Final is slated to open between the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche.

Knicks–Cavaliers to open Eastern Conference Finals

The NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers are set to begin, promising a physical, half-court series. Health looms as a pivotal variable, with the status of Knicks forward OG Anunoby viewed as a critical factor in how New York can deploy its preferred defensive matchups. The Cavaliers enter with confidence after navigating a demanding path to this stage.

With conference finals underway across both leagues, attention now turns to adjustments and availability. In the NBA West, how the Thunder respond to Wembanyama’s opening statement will define early momentum. In the NHL East, special-teams battles and goaltending form could swing the Canadiens–Hurricanes series, while Vegas–Colorado opens the West final later this week.