Wembanyama’s response to the criticism was MVP-level: “We can be better”
Victor Wembanyama answered the criticism following his Game 4 ejection with a dominant performance: 27 points and 17 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs crushed Minnesota to take a 3-2 series lead
After the controversy and ejection he received in Game 4, Victor Wembanyama responded in the best way possible: by dominating. The French phenom delivered a massive stat line of 27 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 blocks, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a convincing 126-97 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Conference Semifinals.
At just 22 years old, Wembanyama continues rewriting record books. He became the third-youngest player in NBA history to post at least 27 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 blocks in a playoff game. The only names ahead of him: Magic Johnson and Luka Doncic.
The French big man attacked the game with impressive aggression. He already had 18 points in the first quarter alone, shooting 6-for-8 from the field and immediately setting the tone inside the Frost Bank Center.
I felt good, I was fresh… it’s still a playoff Game 5, so it’s normal to feel adrenaline and emotion
Victor Wembanyama
As expected, the game was highly physical from the opening minutes. After the contact that led to Wembanyama’s Game 4 ejection, tensions between the two teams remained high in Game 5. In the second quarter, Naz Reid was assessed a technical foul after shoving Wembanyama during a Minnesota free throw.
Stephon Castle explained the Spurs’ approach clearly:
We knew it was going to be a physical battle. The key was limiting their offensive rebounds and answering their runs without getting discouraged
Stephon Castle
There was also plenty of satisfaction from Mitch Johnson, who praised San Antonio’s defensive effort:
We were able to be aggressive from the start of each possession. When we begin well defensively, everything else works better
Mitch Johnson
The numbers back him up: for the fifth time this postseason, San Antonio held an opponent under 100 points.
On defense, you have to want it. You have to sacrifice and make the effort. We can still be better. But when we’re locked in and execute the game plan, we’re really, really good
Victor Wembanyama
The Spurs regained control of the series in the most convincing way possible: energy, defense, and a Wembanyama in MVP form – everything they needed to put Minnesota on the brink.