Victor Wembanyama’s struggles were a hot topic after the San Antonio Spurs’ 127-114 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. In Game 5, Wembanyama scored 20 points but only hit 4 of 15 shots. He did sink all 12 of his free throws, yet he only grabbed six rebounds and recorded three blocks, two steals, and one assist.
After the game, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson emphasized the need for a better performance in Game 6. He noted, “He’s got to take more than 15 shots. Even with the free throws, he’s going to have to score more than 20 points for sure.” Johnson acknowledged OKC’s solid defense, saying they did a good job limiting Wemby’s impact. The team needs to improve their execution on the court, particularly taking advantage of key opportunities.
Despite these challenges, Wembanyama has had an impressive playoff run, averaging 22.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game. His two standout performances came in the games the Spurs won, scoring 41 points and grabbing 24 rebounds in Game 1, and 33 points with eight rebounds in Game 4.
Spurs guard Stephon Castle provided insight into the situation, acknowledging that Wembanyama attracts a lot of attention from defenders. “It’s tough,” Castle said. “But he’s our best player. We need him to be aggressive. His being aggressive opens up shots for other guys.”
Interestingly, the Spurs had a strong regular season against the Thunder, winning four out of five matchups largely due to Wembanyama’s standout performances. However, with the Thunder now leading the series 3-2, Game 6 in San Antonio has become a must-win for the Spurs.
Historical patterns in playoff series show that teams that capitalize on their star players often fare better. If the Wembanyama of Games 1 and 4 shows up, the Spurs may force a Game 7. However, if the struggles of Game 5 continue, the Thunder could move on, aiming for a second straight NBA Finals appearance.
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