Victor Wembanyama highlights record-setting season ahead of NBA play-offs
San Antonio Spurs centre Victor Wembanyama has reflected on a record-setting regular season filled with viral highlights as he prepares to make his NBA play-off debut against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The 21-year-old Frenchman generated more than 2.4 billion views on the league’s social media channels during the 2025-26 campaign. Only Los Angeles Lakers veteran LeBron James managed to surpass that staggering figure.
Now, the imposing centre is shifting his focus to the postseason. The Spurs will host Portland on Sunday, marking the storied franchise’s first play-off appearance since 2017.
Memorable moments on and off the court
Following a late-season victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, the generational talent showcased his lighter side in the locker room. He humorously mocked reporters who had kept their cameras rolling by pointing his own phone flashlight back at them.
However, narrowing down his incredible on-court achievements proved to be a significantly tougher task.
“There were a lot of highlights in the first game, in the season opener,” Wembanyama told ESPN.
“Like, that reverse and-1 dunk I had. Actually, no, it’s the cross on Dereck Lively going back to the and-1 three-pointer. It had the best reaction. That’s my favourite.”
Coach praises defensive mindset
San Antonio head coach Mitch Johnson possesses a slightly different perspective on what makes his star player so special. He believes the true value of the towering prodigy lies away from the highlight-reel dunks.
“My favourite Victor plays typically start with him in a defensive stance,” Johnson said.
“And I say that because when you really watch the film, when he’s in a stance, that typically means he’s switched on mentally.”
“As we sprint and transition from defence to offence, he throws an absolute strike to one of his teammates for a three-point shot. Those wow highlights get so much attention, but the other plays are just as impressive.”
Play-off expectations build
Entering the postseason, the former Parisian has cemented his status as a frontrunner for the Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year awards. His extraordinary blend of shot-blocking ability and perimeter skill has revolutionised the modern game.
The looming clash against the Trail Blazers will provide a fresh test for the young superstar. Fans across the globe will be eagerly watching to see if his regular-season magic can translate to the high-pressure environment of play-off basketball.
