Wembanyama Inspires Spurs To Game One Victory
Hope
Victor Wembanyama pulled out a historic performance on Monday night, as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 122-115 in double overtime in Game One of the Western Conference Finals.
The French star finished with 41 points, 23 rebounds, three assists and three blocks in a dominant all-round display to help the Spurs take an early lead in the series.
According to Stathead, Wembanyama became just the seventh player in NBA history to record at least 40 points and 20 rebounds in a conference finals game or later.
He joins basketball legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Charles Barkley, Moses Malone, Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain and Shaquille O’Neal on the exclusive list.
The 22-year-old also became only the second Spurs player to register at least 40 points and 20 rebounds in a playoff game after David Robinson achieved the feat in 1996.
Wembanyama scored 20 points across the fourth quarter and both overtime periods as he helped the Spurs recover in a tightly contested match. He forced overtime with a deep three-pointer late in the first extra period before taking full control in the second overtime.
The Spurs star played a career-high 49 minutes and shot 14-for-25 from the field. He also contributed defensively by helping limit NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to 7-of-23 shooting.
Game 2 of the series will take place on Wednesday in Oklahoma City.
