Wembanyama’s 27-point burst lifts Spurs to 126-97 win, 3-2 edge on Wolves
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SAN ANTONIO — Victor Wembanyama responded to his first career ejection with a historic stat line on Tuesday night, scoring 27 points along with 17 rebounds, five assists and three blocks to propel the San Antonio Spurs past the Minnesota Timberwolves, 126-97, in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals.
The win at Frost Bank Center gives San Antonio a 3-2 advantage in the best-of-seven series, which resumes Friday at Target Center in Minneapolis.
Early surge sets the tone
Two days after being tossed from Game 4 for an elbow to Naz Reid, Wembanyama poured in 18 first-quarter points — matching his playoff high for a quarter — as San Antonio opened a 15-point lead that eventually ballooned to 30. By halftime, the 20-year-old rookie had 21 points, and Minnesota had managed only seven points on the 11 shots he contested.
“I was fresh, feeling good,” Wembanyama said. “Excitement is normal at this point in the playoffs.”
Paint dominance and composure
San Antonio outscored Minnesota 68-36 in the paint, the Spurs’ second-highest total in a postseason game since 1998 and the most any team has managed against a lineup featuring four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. Despite persistent physical play from Gobert, Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels, Wembanyama avoided foul trouble and kept his cool.
“He didn’t falter whenever he got hit,” guard De’Aaron Fox said. “When he plays like that, it’s hard to beat us.”
Historical numbers
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, no player had posted at least 27 points, 17 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two made three-pointers in an NBA postseason game since the three-point line debuted in 1979-80.
Head coach Mitch Johnson labeled the effort “extremely mature,” while teammate Devin Vassell said the club “needed to see an upset Vic.” Wembanyama replied that being both upset and mature “ain’t mutually exclusive.”
Series outlook
The Spurs, who have never before won back-to-back home playoff games by 29 points or more, own a 16-3 record all-time when leading 3-2 in seven-game series. Game 6 is set for Friday night in Minneapolis.
Source: ESPN
