Photo Credit:AP Photo/Jnny Kane
Victor Wembanyama delivered a strong all around performance to guide the San Antonio Spurs to their first NBA playoff series victory in nine years.
Wembanyama finished with a double double, recording 17 points and 14 rebounds. He also made a major defensive impact with six blocks, continuing a season in which he has already been recognized as the league’s Defensive Player of the Year. His presence on both ends of the court proved crucial in the decisive victory.
Guard De'Aaron Fox led all scorers with 21 points, while the Spurs showcased their depth with six players reaching double figures. The balanced scoring effort highlighted the team’s cohesion and ability to share responsibility across the roster.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson praised his team’s performance, describing it as one of their sharpest displays. As the second seed in the Western Conference, San Antonio now advances to the conference semi finals alongside the top seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
On the opposing side, Portland coach Tiago Splitter acknowledged the quality of the Spurs and credited Wembanyama’s influence on the game, noting that the young star has the ability to change outcomes.
The Spurs will next face either the Denver Nuggets or the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Minnesota currently leading that series 3 to 2.
Elsewhere in the playoffs, Joel Embiid scored 33 points to help the Philadelphia 76ers secure a 113 to 97 win over the Boston Celtics, keeping their series alive at 3 to 2. Embiid, playing only his second game since undergoing an emergency appendectomy, said he found his rhythm in the second half as his team made key adjustments.
In another Eastern Conference matchup, Jalen Brunson scored 39 points to lead the New York Knicks to a dominant 126 to 97 win over the Atlanta Hawks. London born teammate OG Anunoby added 17 points and 10 rebounds as New York moved ahead 3 to 2 in the series.