The NBA top 5 plays May 26 compilation belongs to two players more than anyone else. Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander each delivered multiple highlight-worthy moments as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals. Moreover, the win gave the Thunder a 3-2 series lead. Furthermore, Oklahoma City now stands one victory away from advancing to the NBA Finals.
The game produced a collection of plays that reflected the overall quality and urgency of a winner-take-the-series-lead contest. Additionally, both teams contributed to the highlight reel, though Oklahoma City’s plays dominated the top spots. Consequently, the night reinforced what fans already know about this series. It is one of the best matchups of the 2026 playoffs.
The full top 5 plays from Game 5
Five plays defined the May 26 night of playoff basketball. Here is the complete breakdown from the official NBA countdown:
Thunder poster dunk
The top play of the night featured a violent and explosive poster dunk from Oklahoma City during a momentum-shifting run. After a quick drive into the paint, the Thunder player exploded over a rotating defender for a crowd-erupting slam. The play sealed the number one spot and captured the energy that defined OKC’s second half.
Wembanyama’s defensive masterpiece
Wembanyama appeared on the list twice, and his second entry may have been even more impressive than his first. He recovered from the weak side to reject a shot at the rim with perfect timing and remarkable reach. The block completely erased what looked like a certain basket and demonstrated why he remains one of the most feared defenders in the entire league.
Thunder fast-break lob
Oklahoma City converted a defensive stop into one of the cleanest transition sequences of the night. The play moved from one end of the floor to the other at full speed and finished with a high alley-oop that required precise timing and trust between teammates. Moreover, the play came during a critical stretch of the game when OKC was building its winning margin.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s slick finish
SGA sliced through the Spurs defense with a smooth hesitation dribble before finishing acrobatically at the rim. Furthermore, the move highlighted his elite body control and ability to manufacture a clean shot even when the defense collapses around him. Consequently, plays like this explain why SGA remains one of the most difficult offensive players to guard in the postseason.
Wembanyama’s putback slam
The Spurs star opened the countdown with a towering offensive rebound and one-handed putback dunk. He used his extraordinary length and perfect timing to soar above defenders after a missed shot. Additionally, the play energized San Antonio early and signaled that Wembanyama was ready to compete at the highest level despite his team being in an elimination situation.
Thunder take control of the Western Conference Finals
Oklahoma City’s Game 5 victory shifts the series momentum firmly in their favor. The Thunder now lead the Spurs 3-2 and can close out the series in Game 6. Moreover, their fast-break offense and defensive intensity have been the defining themes of the series. Furthermore, SGA continues to be the engine that drives OKC’s offense when it matters most.
Wembanyama’s presence on both sides of the floor shows that the Spurs are not going quietly. He appeared twice in the NBA top 5 plays May 26 countdown and will need to deliver at that level again in Game 6 to keep San Antonio’s season alive. Additionally, his ability to be a factor on offense and defense simultaneously gives the Spurs a weapon that no other team in the playoffs can match.
The Thunder’s path to the NBA Finals now runs through one more win. Consequently, Game 6 in San Antonio will carry enormous pressure for the home team.
Source: NBA official top 5 plays
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