Victor Wembanyama dropped 35 points in his first playoff game for San Antonio, setting a franchise postseason debut record.
Victor Wembanyama exited with 52.8 seconds left, raising his right fist to salute the ecstatic crowd at Frost Bank Center after the Spurs secured their first playoff win in seven seasons. The French rookie poured in a game-leading 35 points Sunday as San Antonio topped Portland 111-98 in Game 1 of the first-round Western Conference series. His scoring total marked the highest output ever by a Spur in his postseason debut, eclipsing the previous high of 32 points set by Hall of Famer Tim Duncan in 1998.
San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson praised Wembanyama's readiness for the moment. 'I thought he was ready,' Johnson said. 'There's an approach that we all have in terms of expectation of a heightened level of preparation, detail, nuance, competitiveness, physicality, everything. There's a real desire for that young man to participate in that. This was his first playoff game, and he has lofty expectations and goals for himself.'
Wembanyama faced eight different defenders over 33 minutes and scored against all of them, showcasing his offensive versatility. On the defensive end, the 22-year-old held Portland scoreless on 11 shot attempts when he was the primary contesting defender. Johnson noted that Wembanyama settled into the game as his shots started falling and the Spurs' defense intensified. 'He probably settled in a little bit later when he made some shots and his talent popped,' Johnson said. 'But he really settled in there at a point when our defense kicked it into another gear. [Portland] did a good job of trying to create multiple actions and some confusion. [Wembanyama] did a good job of quarterbacking from the second line, getting guys organized.'
Wembanyama became the first NBA player to score at least 35 points in his postseason debut while also hitting five or more three-pointers. His stat line included 13-of-21 shooting from the field and 5-of-6 from beyond the arc, along with five rebounds and two blocks. Wembanyama reflected on the atmosphere, noting the palpable excitement throughout the arena. 'The first time I stepped on the court, even for warmups, I felt the atmosphere was different,' he said. 'Everybody was ready. The fans were ready. It's probably the most excitement I've seen this year in this arena. In terms of tactics, the sport aspect of it, it was different because we had more time to prepare.'
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija also impressed in his playoff debut, leading the Blazers with 30 points. He became the first player in franchise history to record 30 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a single postseason game. Spurs forward Devin Vassell heaped praise on his teammate. 'Vic is Vic, and he had a tremendous game,' Vassell said. Wembanyama's efficiency was evident as he made 4-of-6 shots against Donovan Clingan and 2-of-5 against Robert Williams III, while committing just one turnover in six possessions when doubled up by Portland.
Wembanyama anticipates escalating defensive pressure from the Trail Blazers in Game 2 on Tuesday. 'Of course,' Wembanyama said. 'It's their identity. It's something to be expected, and it's also to be expected that they'll double up on that in the next games. But we're ready.' His first-half surge saw him sink four of his first six attempts and finish the opening 24 minutes with 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including 3-of-4 from three-point range as San Antonio led 59-49 at intermission.
Portland trimmed the deficit to two points early in the second half behind an 8-0 run capped by Scoot Henderson's 14-foot jumper, but that was as close as they would get. The Spurs improved to 11-0 all-time at home in playoff matchups against Portland, the best home record any NBA team holds against a single franchise. Keldon Johnson celebrated the victory from the locker room, shouting 'One down, one down.' Wembanyama closed the game with a 14-point fourth quarter as Spurs legends Tim Duncan and David Robinson watched from courtside.
The sellout crowd of 19,372 erupted in its loudest ovation of the night when the scoreboard showed Duncan and Robinson seated side by side in the second half. Wembanyama admitted the moment left a lasting impression. 'I heard the crowd when they went on the camera,' he said. 'Seeing those two courtside and the recognition they get from the fans was amazing. It's so cool.'