Victor Wembanyama breaks San Antonio Spurs record in playoff debut
Victor Wembanyama scored 35 points to break Tim Duncan’s franchise record as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Portland Trail Blazers in his highly anticipated NBA playoff debut.
The 22-year-old delivered a dominant two-way performance at Frost Bank Arena to lead his team to a Game 1 victory.
He finished on 13-of-21 shooting, including five three-pointers, alongside five rebounds and two blocks.
His scoring tally eclipsed the previous San Antonio milestone for a postseason debut established by Hall of Famer Duncan.
Defensive masterclass stifles Portland
The French phenom was equally devastating on the defensive end of the floor.
Portland players shot a dismal 0-for-11 when the 7-foot-4 centre was positioned as the primary defender.
“The first time I stepped on the court, even for warmups, I felt the atmosphere was different,” Wembanyama said.
“Everybody was ready. The fans were ready. It’s probably the most excitement I’ve seen this year in this arena.”
Watching greatness unfold
The victory marked the Spurs’ first playoff appearance in seven years, ending an uncharacteristic drought for the historic Texas franchise.
Franchise legends Duncan and David Robinson watched from the stands as their highly touted successor took centre stage.
While Wembanyama is frequently linked to the San Antonio big men who preceded him, his unique skillset is drawing early comparisons to LeBron James.
Rather than passing to a guard after securing a defensive rebound, the versatile star repeatedly initiated the fast break himself, showcasing playmaking skills rarely seen in a player of his staggering size.
