Wemby’s triple-double with 12 blocks is not enough: “It’s My Fault”
Victor Wembanyama, who posted a triple-double with 11 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 blocks, took responsibility for the Spurs’ Game 1 loss after shooting 5-for-17 from the field
The highly anticipated start of the Western Conference semifinals opened with a surprise: the Minnesota Timberwolves stole Game 1 on the road against the San Antonio Spurs, winning a tight 104-102 contest. Despite a defensive masterpiece from Victor Wembanyama, who recorded 12 blocks, the most in NBA playoff history, San Antonio now trails the series 0-1.
Wemby delivered a dominant performance on the defensive end, finishing with a triple-double that is anything but ordinary for a rookie in the playoffs: 11 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 blocks (NBA record).
Numbers that would be outrageous for anyone, let alone a young star making his first trip to the conference semifinals. And even if some rim contests may spark goaltending debate, the wall built by the French phenom rewrote the laws of defensive physics.
He’ll have to stop me every time I attack the rim. I’m not going to stop driving. I told him that when he tried to say something… He’ll have to block every one of my attempts, every time. But I know he won’t be able to do it every time. I’m going to dunk on him
TJ Shannon on Victor Wembanyama
Offensive struggles cost Spurs
Despite the eye-popping numbers, there was also a clear weakness: offensive efficiency. Wembanyama finished just 5-for-17 from the field.
I have to start making shots. I spent too much energy on one side of the floor and, on the other side, I used too much energy on things that didn’t help the team. It’s my fault
Victor Wembanyama
After the game, the French superstar offered no excuses and took full responsibility for the loss. The most difficult stretch came in the fourth quarter (won by Minnesota 35-30), when Wembanyama played the entire period but scored only 3 points, shooting 1-for-5 with 2 turnovers.
I played the last 16 minutes and they flew by just like that. That’s not good; it means I didn’t have control of the game
Victor Wembanyama
Spurs go cold shooting
It was not only Wemby. De’Aaron Fox also struggled to find rhythm, finishing with 10 points on 5-for-14 shooting. Credit also goes to a Timberwolves defense that looked disciplined and prepared. Even with his stars struggling, head coach Mitch Johnson stayed calm:
They missed some shots, but I’m not worried about their box score
Mitch Johnson
Wolves experience makes the difference
What likely separated the teams was Minnesota’s greater playoff experience under Chris Finch. With Anthony Edwards returning enthusiastically from a knee injury and scoring 18 points in 25 minutes, plus the steadiness of Julius Randle and the energy of Jaden McDaniels, the Timberwolves showed they have the formula to neutralize San Antonio’s youth.
For Wembanyama and company, the playoffs are proving to be a baptism by fire. The regular season is over – now immediate adjustments are needed to avoid losing home-court advantage.