Shaq challenges Wembanyama: “Near the rim he can make OKC panic”
After a difficult Game 5 against the Thunder, Shaquille O’Neal explained what the Spurs need to keep their NBA Finals hopes alive: a more aggressive Victor Wembanyama, especially around the basket
Following San Antonio’s loss, Victor Wembanyama quickly left the locker room without speaking to reporters. It was a frustrating night for the French star, who finished with 20 points, but shot well below his usual standards.
The most striking number was his shooting volume: only 15 field-goal attempts and just 27% from the field – not enough for the player who serves as the offensive centerpiece of the team.
He needs to take more than 15 shots. Even with the 12 free throws he made, he’s going to need more than 20 points
Mitch Johnson
Oklahoma City built much of its success around containing Wembanyama. From the opening minutes, the Thunder forced him away from his preferred areas, packed the paint, and repeatedly sent help defenders.
The impact was clear early in the game: Wembanyama attempted only two shots in the first quarter and just six by halftime. The pattern continued after the break, as he never found offensive rhythm.
Castle: “We need his aggressiveness”
Inside the Spurs locker room, there is no uncertainty about Wembanyama’s importance. Stephon Castle explained how Oklahoma City’s defensive pressure has made things particularly difficult:
They throw so many bodies at him and it’s tough. He always wants to make the right play and help the team win. But he’s our best player, and we need him to stay aggressive. When he attacks decisively, he creates opportunities for everyone
Stephon Castle
San Antonio’s two victories in this series underline just how much Wembanyama’s production matters. In those wins, he scored 41 and 33 points, respectively.
Shaq’s advice
A Hall of Famer and one of the most dominant centers in NBA history, Shaquille O’Neal believes the answer is simple: attack more.
He needs to be super aggressive. If he really is, the whole world starts to panic. I like that he shoots threes because he’s an incredible shooter, but I want most of his shots near the basket. If he does that, Oklahoma City will really start worrying. Against Holmgren, he can do whatever he wants
Shaquille O’Neal
His comments closely mirror what the Spurs are likely to need in the next game.
Game 6 is a season on the line
During the second half of Game 5, with San Antonio trailing by 18, Wembanyama reportedly addressed his teammates during a timeout in an effort to spark a response.
After the game, De’Aaron Fox shared the message behind that moment:
We don’t want our season ending this week. When you’re down, you have to be willing to respond. If you lose tonight and lose again in two days, the season is over – and we don’t want that to happen
De’Aaron Fox
The Spurs are once again facing adversity in a playoff series – something they have already overcome before. To do it again, they will likely need the best version of Victor Wembanyama. And Game 6 may be the moment that defines his season.