Victor Wembanyama struggled to hold back tears Saturday night after the San Antonio Spurs eliminated the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 on the road, clinching the franchise’s first NBA Finals appearance in 12 years.
“Winning the Larry O’Brien, it’s a childhood dream,” the 22-year-old center said on NBC’s post-game broadcast. “Having a tangible chance at it—realizing that dream—means everything. The day we win it, it’s going to be the realization of my life’s meaning.”
Western Conference Finals MVP
Wembanyama accepted the Magic Johnson Western Conference Finals MVP trophy moments after the final buzzer, then walked it to Spurs fans in the arena so they could touch it. He later acknowledged leaning on teammates, coaches, former Spurs legends and family throughout his first NBA postseason run.
“I found resources inside of me—relentlessness I didn’t know existed—while playing the best basketball on the planet,” he said. “Maybe I’m crazy, but I want to do this 15, 20 more times.”
Key Defensive Play by Kornet
Backup center Luke Kornet delivered what several Spurs called the game’s pivotal moment. With 6:30 remaining and San Antonio leading by six, Kornet chased down Isaiah Hartenstein and blocked a breakaway dunk attempt after Hartenstein stole an entry pass from rookie guard Stephon Castle. Castle responded with a pull-up jumper and Julian Champagnie drilled a three-pointer on the next possession, restoring an 11-point cushion.
“I’ve never seen Luke run that fast,” Champagnie said. “If they get that dunk, it’s a two-point game instead of six. That play took the life out of the building.”
Champagnie’s Sharp Turnaround
After struggling in the series’ first four contests, Champagnie erupted for 20 points on 6-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc, added six rebounds and played stout defense. His plus-16 rating led all players. “Julian is amazing,” Wembanyama noted. “He makes you want to die for him on the court because he gives so much effort.”
Johnson Stays Ready
Sixth Man of the Year Keldon Johnson, the Spurs’ longest-tenured player, had been quiet for most of the playoffs but scored eight fourth-quarter points Saturday. “My teammates and coaches kept believing in me,” the 26-year-old forward said. “I knew if I stayed engaged, it would pay off.”
San Antonio also received critical contributions from De’Aaron Fox, rookie guard Stephon Castle and swingman Dylan Harper, helping the team secure its first Finals berth since winning the title in 2014.
Source: Hoops Rumors
