Victor Wembanyama experienced his inaugural NBA play-off elimination game.
Victor Wembanyama delivered an outstanding performance as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder 118-91, forcing a decisive game seven in the Western Conference Finals.
San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson had challenged Wembanyama to increase his scoring output beyond 20 points following a subdued showing in game five, a challenge the 22-year-old readily accepted.
Wembanyama concluded the game with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks, as the Spurs dominated after seizing an early lead, ultimately tying the series at 3-3.
The French player exited the game with nearly eight minutes remaining in the third quarter, during which the Spurs embarked on a 20-point scoring spree.
Johnson commended Wembanyama’s “passion and desire” and his acceptance of “responsibility” following his commanding display.
Stephon Castle contributed 17 points, nine assists, and one turnover, while Dylan Harper added 18 points from the bench.
Thunder’s star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, was unable to replicate his 32-point performance from game five, finishing with 15 points and four assists after converting only six of 18 shots.
This marked Gilgeous-Alexander’s lowest scoring output since recording 14 points in game three of the 2025 Western Conference finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The two-time NBA MVP is shooting at just 37.9% from the field in the series, a decline from his 51.4% field-goal percentage during the first two rounds of this year’s post-season.
“I’m not sure, to be honest,” Gilgeous-Alexander admitted when questioned about his struggles.
“Many of the shots I’m taking are shots I’ve taken countless times before. They feel good, but the results aren’t there.”
“They [San Antonio] dictated the tempo from start to finish. They exhibited greater intensity, made more shots, were more assertive, and maintained an offensive mindset. We were constantly reacting.”
The victor of game seven in Oklahoma City on Saturday, 30 May (Sunday 01:00 BST), will advance to face the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals.