Victor Wembanyama appeared transformed for Game 6 in every possible way.
The San Antonio superstar arrived at his home venue Thursday evening wearing a Shaolin robe, a clear reference to his two-week retreat at a Chinese temple last summer where he pursued physical, mental and spiritual development. His newly trimmed haircut provided another indication that he was focused entirely on the task ahead.
Most importantly, his play on the basketball court returned to elite levels.
In his first elimination game experience, Wembanyama delivered an impassioned speech to his teammates before tip-off, which is unusual for him. Despite the pressure, he appeared completely at ease. The young star recorded 28 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks and two assists while shooting 10-for-21 in 28 minutes of action, propelling the Spurs to a 118-91 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder and evening the Western Conference finals at 3-3.
The decisive Game 7 takes place Saturday evening in Oklahoma City, where Wembanyama began this conference championship series with an outstanding 41-point, 24-rebound performance that lifted the Spurs to a double-overtime victory. Another win on Saturday would send him and the Spurs to the NBA Finals to face the New York Knicks.
Wembanyama’s influence was evident from the opening moments of Game 6. Following the opening tip, his next three actions unfolded as follows: successful 3-point shot, defensive block, followed by another successful 3-pointer. This established the rhythm, and the Spurs maintained their lead throughout.
With the outcome determined well before the final period ended, he was able to rest for most of the fourth quarter. While Game 6 was still in progress, it seemed likely that Wembanyama’s thoughts had already shifted to Game 7. Harrison Barnes, the team’s third-oldest player, spent time during the fourth quarter speaking with Wembanyama on the Spurs’ bench, sharing some veteran advice. Barnes talked while Wembanyama listened and acknowledged. The specific content of their conversation was unclear, but the message appeared to resonate.
Thursday’s contest reinforced the pattern that has defined this series. When Wembanyama plays as the most impactful player on the court, the Spurs emerge victorious. When he falls short of that standard, they suffer defeats. Simply playing well has proven insufficient — during the three Spurs losses, he has posted an average of 22.3 points while shooting 43%. In the three Spurs victories, his averages jump to 34 points on 51% shooting.
