Shaquille O’Neal crowns Wembanyama: “He’s the perfect big man”
After his playoff performances, Victor Wembanyama has also earned Shaq’s approval, who called him a unique player and a true joy to watch
The San Antonio Spurs advanced past the first round of the playoffs against the Blazers 4-1, and once again the undisputed star was Victor Wembanyama. After the scare in Game 2, when a concussion forced him to sit out, the Frenchman returned to the floor more dominant than ever.
After missing Game 3, Wembanyama immediately took control of the series again upon his return. In Game 5, won by the Spurs 114-95, he finished with 17 points, 14 rebounds and 6 blocks in just 34 minutes.
Wembanyama like Olajuwon: a record that says it all
If Game 5 was yet another show of force, in Game 4 he had already sent a clear message with 27 points, 12 rebounds and 7 blocks. Thanks to these two performances, Victor Wembanyama became the first player since Hakeem Olajuwon to record two consecutive playoff games with at least 10 rebounds and 6 blocks.
A stat that perfectly captures his impact, especially on the defensive end. Not surprisingly, the Defensive Player of the Year continues to make a difference when it matters most.
Against Portland, opponents shot just 19% on attempts contested by Wembanyama throughout the series. In Game 5, the Blazers went just 3-for-12 when matched up against the French big, also getting blocked six times.
An already elite defensive impact
His first playoff games have been nothing short of extraordinary. In the first four games of his postseason career, Wembanyama averaged over 20 points and 4 blocks per game.
Since blocks became an official stat, only Alonzo Mourning and Brook Lopez had managed to do that before him. Not exactly ordinary company.
Even Shaquille O’Neal couldn’t hold back his praise:
I think Wemby is the first perfect big man ever created. He can shoot, make free throws, defend, attack, and he’s a great teammate. He’s truly a joy to watch
Shaquille O’Neal
The Spurs are much more than Wembanyama
Wembanyama’s defense is the foundation, but this team has plenty of weapons. Offensively, the French star can be decisive without dominating the ball: in Game 5 he scored 17 points on just seven field goal attempts.
That allows others to get into rhythm, and it’s one of the Spurs’ biggest strengths. In the series-clinching game, all five starters scored in double figures.
De’Aaron Fox led the group with 21 points, while Dylan Harper provided a key contribution off the bench with 17.
Wembanyama is already hungry for more
After advancing, the French star is already looking ahead:
It was a great way to start the playoffs. We gained experience, but I’m still hungry for even bigger challenges
Victor Wembanyama
And it’s exactly this mindset that makes Wembanyama so special. The first round is just the beginning: the Spurs know they have a generational talent, one capable of truly changing a franchise’s future.