Victor Wembanyama pours in 35 as Spurs take Game 1 over Trail Blazers
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San Antonio — Rookie center Victor Wembanyama delivered 35 points Sunday night, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 111-98 victory against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series at Frost Bank Center.
The 22-year-old Frenchman set a franchise record for points in a playoff debut, eclipsing the 32 scored by Hall of Famer Tim Duncan. Wembanyama went 13-for-21 from the field, 5-for-6 from three-point range, and added five rebounds and two blocks in 33 minutes.
“I thought he was ready,” head coach Mitch Johnson said. “There’s an expectation for heightened preparation and competitiveness, and he embraced that.”
Portland rotated eight different defenders onto Wembanyama, but the Spurs’ star scored on each matchup. On the defensive end, he held the Blazers scoreless on 11 shot attempts he contested.
According to the league, Wembanyama is the first player in NBA history to post at least 35 points and five made threes in a postseason debut.
Strong start, stronger finish
Wembanyama opened the night hitting four of his first six shots and closed the first half with 21 points, helping San Antonio to a 59-49 lead at the break. Portland trimmed the margin to two early in the third quarter, but never drew closer.
The Spurs remain unbeaten at home in playoff games against Portland, improving to 11-0.
Supporting cast
Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija countered with 30 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, becoming the first Portland player to reach those numbers in a postseason contest. Rookie guard Scoot Henderson added a 14-foot jumper that fueled an 8-0 run to open the second half.
Spurs forward Devin Vassell summed up the evening: “Vic is Vic, and he had a tremendous game.”
Looking ahead
Wembanyama expects increased defensive pressure when the series resumes Tuesday night in San Antonio. “It’s their identity,” he said of Portland’s physical play. “We’re ready.”
As the final minute ticked away, Wembanyama exited to a standing ovation, acknowledging a sellout crowd of 19,372 that included Spurs legends Duncan and David Robinson.
The Spurs hold a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, with Game 2 set for Tuesday.
Source: ESPN
