Victor Wembanyama delivered a commanding 38-point, 14-rebound performance on Saturday night to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 112-103 victory over the Golden State Warriors, sending San Antonio back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014.
The 21-year-old French center dominated both ends of the floor, adding 5 blocks and 4 assists as the Spurs closed out the Western Conference Finals 4-2 at Frost Bank Center.
“Inspired” was the word coach Gregg Popovich used afterward. “Victor played with poise, energy, and purpose tonight. He set the tone from the opening tip,” Popovich said.
Wembanyama scored 16 points in the third quarter alone, helping San Antonio turn a 3-point halftime deficit into a 12-point lead heading into the final period. The Spurs never trailed again.
The appearance marks San Antonio’s first trip to the Finals in 11 years and Wembanyama’s first in his sophomore NBA season. The Spurs will face the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for Thursday night in San Antonio.
