Victor Wembanyama showcased a new look and renewed focus in Game 6. Arriving at his home arena in a long robe, the San Antonio star marked an Islamic holiday. This look reminded some of his visits to a Shaolin temple last summer, where he sought personal growth.
Wembanyama sported freshly cropped hair, signaling his serious intent. “I’d seen a picture pregame,” Spurs guard Devin Vassell told NBA TV. “I knew he was locked in from there, for sure.” His performance on the court matched this mindset.
Facing his first elimination game, Wembanyama, who gave an inspiring pregame speech to his teammates, played confidently. He scored 28 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, blocked three shots, and dished out two assists. His 10-for-21 shooting in 28 minutes helped the Spurs defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 118-91, tying the Western Conference finals at 3-3.
“I think we were consistent,” Wembanyama said. “And we did what we needed to do.”
Game 7 is on Saturday night in Oklahoma City, the site of Wembanyama’s 41-point, 24-rebound effort in Game 1, which led the Spurs to a double-overtime victory. A win would send the Spurs to the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks.
Wembanyama set the tone early in Game 6. After winning the tip-off, he hit a 3-pointer, blocked a shot, and drained another 3-pointer. The Spurs maintained their lead throughout. This was a shift from Game 5, where he scored 20 points but shot 4-for-15.
“I would say his overall activity,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson noted, describing Wembanyama’s turnaround. “That, probably from my perspective, was just from his will and intent on leaving his imprints on the game.” Wembanyama rested in the fourth quarter, with the game well in hand, likely thinking about Game 7.
During the fourth quarter, veteran Harrison Barnes shared advice with Wembanyama on the bench. Wembanyama listened carefully, indicating his willingness to learn from experienced teammates and staff.
In the postgame conference, he clarified that the robe was worn in celebration of Eid al-Adha and not an homage to his time in China. When asked if he reflected on the team’s progress, he replied succinctly, “I have absolutely no desire to do that right now.”
The series narrative remained consistent: When Wembanyama excelled, the Spurs triumphed. In their losses, he averaged 22.3 points on 43% shooting. In victories, his averages soared to 34 points on 51% shooting.
“He’s not always perfect and we’ve got to help him at times, obviously,” Johnson said. “He’s 22 years old, but his passion and desire for being right where he is and at the forefront of it all and to take the responsibility and the role and the burden of what he does … I don’t know what else to say. He is comfortable with that regardless of the outcome.”