Spurs HC Hands Flowers to Wemby as He Makes History in Double OT Playoff Thriller

The 7-ft-4 big man used his body to his maximum advantage, and the Thunder had no answer for him. He became only the seventh player in NBA history with a 40-point, 20-rebound game in conference finals or later part of postseason.

Johnson went on to compliment Wemby on his work ethic and the drive he brings to the court.

“He has some rare god-given ability. He puts in even more work in preparation and to try to maximize that, and his disposition and mentality and approach are reflected at times in the way he handles those moments.” 

The Spurs led the Thunder for most of the game, but the defending champions closed the gap late in the fourth quarter, sending the game into overtime. While the Thunder played their usual team game, Wembanyama countered every OKC run to secure the victory.

The Spurs are the only team that was expected to even challenge the Thunder after the conclusion of the regular season. Wemby’s team led this season’s matchup with a 4-1 record, including a win in the NBA Cup. 

Victor Wembanyama Refuses to Take The Best Player in the World Title

Right before the game, Adam Silver handed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the MVP award in front of Victor Wembanyama, who had finished 3rd in voting. It might have worked against the Thunder.

After the win, Wemby said that SGA getting the MVP award was a big motivation for him. 

On Monday, the Spurs’ big man played like the best player in the world. He dominated both ends of the floor throughout the contest. But Wemby wasn’t ready to take the title yet, as he said after a reporter asked him if he felt like the best player in the world.

“Do I feel like it right now? I feel tired. But it’s not a question I’m wondering right now. We’ll see. The world is 8 billion people, so it’s 8 billion opinions.”

This is just the start of the series, and Victor knows it’s just the start of a long battle against the defending champion.

SGA has been struggling offensively since the Lakers series, and it has continued into the Western Conference Finals series. The Thunder will expect a big game from their star in Game 2.