Victor Wembanyama delivered a record-breaking playoff performance for a franchise rookie, scoring 35 points on 13-of-21 shooting, including 5-of-6 from three-point range. He also contributed 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1 assist. Wembanyama scored 21 points in the first half, none in the third quarter, and added 14 in the final quarter.
“We all expect a higher level of preparation, detail, nuance, competitiveness, and physical commitment,” stated coach Mitch Johnson. “And I believe this young man has a real desire to participate in that. It’s his first playoff game, and he has great ambitions.”
“It was an excellent start. We were very solid. As expected, the work isn’t finished,” the Frenchman added.
Already named a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year, Victor Wembanyama is also a contender for the MVP trophy. He is competing against the reigning champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets), who won the award in 2021, 2022, and 2024.
In his third NBA season, the 22-year-old averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game, leading the Spurs to a 62-20 record and the second seed in the Western Conference.
