Wembanyama takes over, Thunder crushed: “Game 7? We’ll listen to people who know more than we do”
Victor Wembanyama steals the spotlight as the Spurs blow out OKC, forcing everything to come down to Game 7. San Antonio answered the bell in the biggest moment of its season
The San Antonio Spurs were not ready to say goodbye to their season. With their backs against the wall and elimination looming, the Texas franchise responded in the loudest way possible: a dominant 118-91 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder that sends the series to a decisive Game 7 on Saturday at Paycom Center.
The face of the night? Obviously Victor Wembanyama. After the disappointing loss in Game 5, the French star chose not to speak to the media. Inside the locker room, however, his message to teammates came through loud and clear. No one revealed exactly what he said, but the court told the whole story.
In these situations, you have to erase all those little mistakes that are part of human nature… when your back is against the wall, it feels like the best opportunity to do that
Victor Wembanyama
Wembanyama dominated from the opening tip, finishing with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
When you say certain things and then back them up with what you do on the court, the effect on the group is huge. Speaking like a leader and then proving it with your performance is a rare combination
Harrison Barnes
Wembanyama’s approach was devastating from the very first possessions. Two early three-pointers, energy on every play, and relentless defensive intensity. Oklahoma City never truly found its footing.
We played together, moved the ball, and followed the game plan
Victor Wembanyama
After scoring 22 points in the first half, the Spurs completely took control after the break. The run that effectively ended the game came in the third quarter: a stunning 20-0 burst that sent the Thunder into a tailspin. The most impressive part? Part of that surge came with Wembanyama sitting on the bench.
For Oklahoma City, it was a night to forget. The Thunder never held a lead, something that had not happened to them in the playoffs since the 2016 Western Conference Semifinals… against the Spurs.
Alongside Wembanyama, young standouts Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle chipped in 18 and 17 points, respectively. Castle perfectly captured the team’s mindset:
When our backs are against the wall, we bring out our best. The energy is always there, and we do all the little things it takes to win. In situations like this, I feel even more confident
Stephon Castle
Head coach Mitch Johnson also highlighted the mental growth of his franchise cornerstone:
He’s not perfect and sometimes he needs help – he’s still only 22 years old. But his desire to take responsibility is incredible. The biggest growth this year has been seeing how willing he is to attack the moment instead of waiting for everything to be perfect
Mitch Johnson
And the numbers confirm just how special this Wembanyama postseason is becoming. At 22 years and 144 days old, he became the youngest player ever to record at least 25 points and 10 rebounds while facing elimination. Through his first NBA playoff run, he has already totaled 358 points and 168 rebounds, joining an exclusive group.
San Antonio also led by as many as 28 points, securing the largest win-or-go-home victory in franchise history.
Now the series shifts back to Oklahoma City for a Game 7 that promises must-watch basketball. And considering the momentum from Game 6, the Thunder have more than a few reasons to be concerned.
The first thing is listening to the people with more experience than us, whether they’re on our team, on the coaching staff, or outside the organization. We’re fortunate to have a lot of those people around us
Victor Wembanyama
Wembanyama has found his voice as a leader. And now he looks determined to take the next step and reach the NBA Finals.