The MVP chants from fans aren’t going anywhere. San Antonio Spurs’ phenom Victor Wembanyama scored 35 points in his debut playoff game against the Portland Trail Blazers. San Antonio took a one-to-nothing lead against the Trailblazers. The Blazers’ Deni Avdija also made his playoff debut with 30 points.
Victor Wembanyama Breaks Spurs Playoff Debut Scoring Record
A Special Moment For San Antonio
After seven years without being in the playoffs, the Spurs are back. Frost Bank was packed with fans wearing fiesta-colored t-shirts provided by the Spurs. Gregg Popovich, Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Manu Ginobili, and George Gervin were all in attendance. Joining the list of Spurs legends in attendance was also Tiago Splitter. However, unlike the other legends, Splitter was not there to cheer on the Spurs. After Chauncey Billups lost his job as Trail Blazers head coach, Splitter took the reins and has impressed his team.
If this giant reunion was not enough for Spurs fans, then Wembanyama had them covered. With 35 points, five rebounds, and two blocks, he set the franchise scoring record for points in a playoff debut. Not only that, but he did that in front of Duncan, who formerly held the record. Duncan and Robinson could be seen smiling and laughing as Wembanyama moved like no player could in their era. Making his performance even more impressive is that he sat out the majority of the third quarter. The all-time playoff debut scoring record is held by Luka Doncic with 42 points.
Can The Blazers Stop Wembanyama?
Despite a comfortable win, the Blazers outperformed expectations. In the third, they came out hot and cut the lead to two before Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell turned the tide back. Avdija also had an excellent game and looked unstoppable at different points. The real key to them having a chance lies in their ability to stop Wembanyama.
Although his stat line doesn’t show it, Wembanyama did have a few struggle moments. With only five rebounds, Wembanyama needed assistance when it came to boxing out Donovan Clingan. The seven-foot-two, 280-pound center would be a problem for almost anyone, but the Blazers could try to crash the offensive glass later in the series. The Spurs are a transition-focused team, and taking away that advantage would be huge.
Wembanyama also had some struggles with finding his own shot within the arc. His biggest moments offensively were either from three or were the result of another player giving him a lob. Toumani Camara did not guard Wembanyama on the perimeter for much of the game. Camara’s frame and defensive abilities make him an excellent candidate to guard Wembanyama. Putting a smaller player on the “Alien” is a strategy other teams have used when he isn’t in the paint. The Spurs’ excellent shooting and guards put a wrench in that plan. De’Aaron Fox and Castle both have improved their shooting and will force teams to guard them from deep. The Spurs also attack slower players in every area of the court, so keeping Clingan on Wembanyama has its benefits.
If the Trailblazers can find a scheme that allows them to switch Camara on the perimeter from Wembanyama to another shooter quickly, they might be able to win the series. If not, expect more history from the Spurs and Wembanyama.
Featured Image: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
