SAN ANTONIO — Victor Wembanyama has shown throughout his career that he’s nearly impossible to shake, much like trying to score against the towering 7-foot-4 sensation. But Sunday presented a moment that could test even his composure.
The young phenom was stepping onto the playoff stage for the first time, representing a Portland matchup for an organization and community desperate for postseason glory following six years without playoff basketball.
A sold-out Frost Bank Center buzzed with energy as fans donned vibrant Fiesta-colored shirts, while Spurs legends including coach Gregg Popovich, David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and George Gervin watched from the stands.
Did the burden of carrying a city’s dreams alongside the expectations of basketball royalty overwhelm the 22-year-old sensation?
“I wouldn’t say weight. I would say it feels safe,” Wembanyama explained. “It feels like if you trip, there’s a lot of hands that’s ready to catch you.”
That sense of security mirrors exactly how San Antonio feels with Wembanyama commanding the floor.
The French star delivered 35 points during a dominant 111-98 triumph against the Trail Blazers, establishing a new Spurs record for most points in a postseason debut, eclipsing Tim Duncan’s previous mark of 32 from 1998. His 21 first-half points also created NBA history as the highest total in an opening half of any playoff debut since detailed statistics began in 1997.
“I thought he was ready,” commented San Antonio head coach Mitch Johnson. “He probably settled in a little bit later when he made some shots and his talent popped, but I thought he really settled in there at a point when our defense kicked into another gear.”
Before tip-off, the team showcased a pregame video featuring Kendrick Lamar’s “tv off,” displaying the phrase “It’s not enough” over Wembanyama’s best moments. The message perfectly captured both the player’s and franchise’s mindset.
San Antonio hadn’t reached the playoffs since 2019, ending a six-year absence that followed an incredible run of five NBA titles and 22 consecutive postseason appearances.
Wembanyama ensured their return was memorable, connecting on 5 of 6 three-point attempts while shooting 13 of 21 overall from the floor.
“We put different guys on him,” explained Portland head coach Tiago Splitter. “He had an amazing game, of course. 35 points, 5 for 6 from 3s. It’s really hard to take him out of the paint. I think we did a good for the most part taking him out of the paint. Of course he rolled a couple of times with a small on him and that’s a bucket. But those five 3s really hurt us.”
The performance included several spectacular plays, though such moments have become routine during his three professional seasons. These highlights occur so frequently that Wembanyama sometimes struggles to recall specific instances when questioned.
“I don’t remember,” Wembanyama admitted. “Was it a two or a three?”
Even when reporters described his behind-the-back dribble past Avdija at midcourt, followed by a spin move and thunderous two-handed slam in the first quarter, the details didn’t register.
“Yeah. I have to look again,” Wembanyama responded.
Millions of fans likely will replay those moments, considering Wembanyama generated 2.43 billion social media views this season, trailing only Lakers superstar LeBron James’ 2.85 billion.
Wembanyama might review the footage simply to relive the electric environment of Sunday’s victory.
“It’s great to see this many people wear their shirts,” Wembanyama observed. “I love the animation (on the video boards) when they say, ‘Wear your shirt.’ Yeah, you should absolutely wear your shirt if you’re coming to the game. But now at first, I mean, the first time I stepped on the court for warmups, I felt the atmosphere was different. Everybody’s ready. I mean, the fans were ready. It’s probably the most excited I’ve seen this year in this arena.”
While spectators departed with complimentary T-shirts, the Spurs received upgraded attire courtesy of Kelly Olynyk, who marked his 35th birthday Sunday by giving his teammates a special present.
Wembanyama and the entire San Antonio roster arrived wearing identical custom black suits, all purchased by Olynyk.
“That’s Kelly,” Wembanyama noted. “Happy birthday, by the way. He took the initiative to make us all wear the same thing. That’s good. It’s a good team thing.”
The same description applies to Wembanyama himself.
