Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals was unforgettable. The San Antonio Spurs faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs to victory in double overtime, scoring 41 points and securing 24 rebounds.
The Thunder, last season’s champions, bounced back. They won Game 2 by nine points and Game 3 by 15 points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder guard, proved his MVP status in these games.
On Sunday, the Thunder came to Frost Bank Center with a 2-1 lead in the series. They aimed to extend their advantage. However, Wembanyama blocked their path.
Wembanyama, often called ‘Wemby,’ delivered 22 points in the first half. He marked the end of the half with a stunning 42-foot three-pointer as the halftime buzzer sounded. This shot helped the Spurs lead 50-38 at halftime.
The amazing part of the three-pointer was its effortless execution. Wembanyama used his typical shooting form, making the shot appear routine.
This year marks Wembanyama’s first playoff journey. Drafted as the top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, he’s taken the Spurs to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2017. He secured the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award earlier in the playoffs. Notably, he is the first to win this award unanimously.
Wembanyama aimed higher, having pursued the MVP title all season. Watching Gilgeous-Alexander receive the MVP award before Game 1 motivated him further. In response, he recorded 41 points and 24 rebounds in that game.
If Wembanyama and the Spurs defeat the Thunder, they may stop Oklahoma City’s attempt to achieve back-to-back championships, last seen with the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018. The winner of this series will likely face the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals. The Knicks lead the Eastern Conference Finals 3-0 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. They have won ten consecutive playoff games.