Victor Wembanyama’s first taste of a deep playoff run started against the Portland Trail Blazers, and he set the tone early. The Spurs eliminated Portland in five games; Wembanyama sat out Game 3 but dominated the four he played.
In those four games he averaged 21.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 4.0 blocks and 1.0 steals, shooting a blistering 58% from the field and 54% from three.
Series averages (games played)
| Stat | Per game |
|---|---|
| Points | 21.0 |
| Rebounds | 8.8 |
| Assists | 2.0 |
| Blocks | 4.0 |
| Steals | 1.0 |
Game by game
| Game | Result | PTS | REB | AST | BLK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G1 | W 111-98 | 35 | 5 | 1 | 2 |
| G2 | L 106-103 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| G4 | W 114-93 | 27 | 12 | 3 | 7 |
| G5 | W 114-95 | 17 | 14 | 3 | 6 |
Official, certified stats live at NBA.com.
A scorching opener
Game 1 was a statement of efficiency: 35 points on 13-of-21 shooting, including 5-of-6 from three, in a comfortable 111-98 win. There was no playoff learning curve — he looked the part from the opening tip.
The one that got away
The lone blemish was Game 2, the only loss of the series. Wembanyama played just 12 minutes and finished with 5 points, and without him on the floor the Spurs dropped a tight 106-103 decision. It was the clearest illustration of his value: the margin between San Antonio with and without him.
Taking over on defense
He answered with the two-way performances that would define his postseason. Game 4 was a monster — 27 points, 12 rebounds, 7 blocks and 4 steals — and Game 5 a 17-point, 14-rebound, 6-block closeout. Across the series he swatted 4.0 shots a game, the number that turned a first-round matchup into a showcase. Next up: the Minnesota Timberwolves.