The San Antonio Spurs are just one win away from the Conference Finals, largely thanks to Victor Wembanyama’s stellar performance. The French superstar bounced back impressively in the NBA playoffs, leading his team to a dominant 126-97 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Wembanyama, 22, had been in the spotlight for negative reasons after delivering a hard elbow to opponent Naz Reid during Game 4, resulting in a Flagrant 2 foul and an early ejection. However, in Game 5, he silenced critics with a powerful 27-point, 17-rebound double-double, helping the Spurs take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.
San Antonio’s depth also shined, with six players scoring in double figures. “We did what we had to do at home,” Wembanyama told NBC. “We wanted to set the tone knowing it would be a hard-fought game. We won—that’s what matters. But it’s not over yet.”
Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson praised Wembanyama’s maturity after the turbulent events of Game 4. “A lot has happened in the last 48 hours. The way this young man carried himself tonight, performing in various situations, shows great poise and growth,” Johnson said.
The Spurs now need just one more win to advance, with Game 6 set to take place in Minnesota.
