Spurs & Thunder: NBA's Next Great Rivalry?

San Antonio Spurs veteran Harrison Barnes has declared that his team and the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder are on a "collision course," signaling a potential burgeoning rivalry in the NBA. Barnes noted that both teams possess young, ambitious cores focused on achieving championship success, making their matchups increasingly significant.

This sentiment is amplified by recent close contests, including a near-win for the Spurs in the NBA Cup semifinals, and an upcoming Christmas Day game. These frequent meetings offer the Spurs valuable opportunities to sharpen their play and assess their progress against the league's elite.

Barnes further elaborated on the similarities and differences, citing familiarity between the players and the Thunder's championship experience. For the Spurs, these games serve as a critical benchmark, testing their resolve and providing insights into what it takes to compete at the highest level.