OKLAHOMA CITY — At the beginning of the Western Conference finals, Victor Wembanyama witnessed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander celebrate with a Most Valuable Player trophy that the San Antonio Spurs sensation coveted for himself.
The series concluded with Wembanyama claiming his own MVP award — along with much more significant achievements.
The French phenom — playing in only his third season — has guided the Spurs to the NBA Finals. The newly minted Western Conference finals MVP contributed 22 points during a decisive Game 7 victory in Oklahoma City, securing San Antonio’s first opportunity to compete for an NBA championship since 2014. The Finals will feature San Antonio against New York, beginning Wednesday evening.
“Winning the Larry O’Brien, it’s a childhood dream,” Wembanyama stated, mentioning the championship trophy’s official name. “And having a real shot at it, having a chance, a tangible chance at winning it and realizing a dream … it’s a lifetime chance. You never know when it’s going to happen again.
“It’s hard to put into words. It’s almost like the meaning of my life now.”
Throughout the series, he posted averages of 27.3 points and 10.9 rebounds, reaching the 20-point mark in each contest. His dominance began with a spectacular 41-point showing in Game 1, followed by versatile performances featuring dunks, defensive blocks, and even point guard duties that maintained momentum through the Game 7 triumph. The series MVP selection was unanimous, which comes as little shock. He carried his trophy into the locker room following the victory, celebrating enthusiastically with fans and teammates.
“You work all these hours, it’s for these type of emotions,” Wembanyama explained. “I want to win so bad. It’s like my life depends on it.”
During his draft night, Wembanyama discussed his knowledge about San Antonio. He mentioned breakfast tacos, which he eagerly anticipated trying. He spoke about learning Spanish and embracing the local culture.
And naturally, he talked about winning.
“The ring,” Wembanyama declared that evening.
The championship ring. Less than three years after departing France for the United States, Wembanyama is preparing for his inaugural opportunity to compete for that prize.
“The best player in the world,” Spurs forward Keldon Johnson shouted to anyone within earshot, clearly indicating his subject.
While he didn’t claim the NBA MVP award, arguing that Wembanyama represents the world’s top player wouldn’t be unreasonable. At minimum, he will hold that distinction soon. He may not have reached his peak performance yet. The Spurs feature a young roster constructed for sustained success.
Translation: This could mark just the beginning.
“When you step into a game in regular season, you don’t even look at the big picture of the season. You look at what you need to do tonight, what you have to do in the first half, on the first possession,” Wembanyama said. “And when you lay a brick like this every time you get a chance and you lay it perfectly fine, at the end of the day you get a big castle — a beautiful house and we just did. This, it’s just like the entry hall of our castle right here.”
