One game into the NBA playoffs, Victor Wembanyama is already setting records. The Spurs star poured in 35 points in Sunday’s 111-98 win over Portland, eclipsing Tim Duncan’s mark for the highest-scoring postseason debut in franchise history, according to Michael C. Wright of ESPN. It’s also the most points ever for anyone in his first playoff game who made at least five three-pointers.
And Wembanyama may have been even more dominant on the defensive end, as the Trail Blazers missed all 11 shots they took when he was the primary defender.
“The first time I stepped on the court, even for warmups, I felt the atmosphere was different,” Wembanyama said. “Everybody was ready. The fans were ready. It’s probably the most excitement I’ve seen this year in this arena. In terms of tactics, the sport aspect of it, it was different because we had more time to prepare.”
Portland tried several different defensive approaches to control Wembanyama, but he managed to keep scoring. Wright notes that he made four of his six shots from the field when guarded by Donovan Clingan and was 2-of-5 against Robert Williams. Against double teams, he finished 2-of-4 with six points.
Wembanyama looked more than ready in his long-awaited playoff debut, and the Spurs appear capable of making a lengthy playoff run. He told reporters that he was inspired by the presence of franchise legends Duncan and David Robinson, who were cheering the team on.
“I heard the crowd when they went on the camera,” Wembanyama said. “Seeing those two courtside and the recognition they get from the fans was amazing. It’s so cool.”
There’s more from San Antonio:
- After Wembanyama’s scintillating performance, he chose Devin Vassell to conduct the team’s postgame drum celebration, Tom Orsborn of The San Antonio Express-News writes in a subscriber-only piece. Vassell scored eight of his 15 points in the third quarter to help the Spurs build a double-digit lead and registered two impressive blocks 17 seconds apart that ignited the crowd. The first came against the 7’3″ Clingan, and the second was a chase-down block of Jrue Holiday. “That’s what we talk about, not giving up on the play,” Vassell said. “Every possession matters, whether it’s the first possession in the first quarter or the last possession of the fourth quarter. Play to the whistle.”
- Sunday marked the 12th time this season that the Spurs have held an opponent under 100 points and their record is perfect in those games, notes Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News. Deni Avdija scored 30 points, but San Antonio did a good job of keeping his supporting cast in check. The Spurs were also able to defend Avdija without frequent fouls, as he only shot six free throws.
- As great as Wembanyama was, the Blazers only lost his minutes by four points, per Bill Oram of The Oregonian. They were minus-9 in the 14:17 that backup Luke Kornet was on the court. “Yeah, we couldn’t make money out of those minutes,” Portland coach Tiago Splitter said. “You’re right. Kornet did a good job of defending and grabbing offensive rebounds. We’ve got to be better in those minutes, for sure.”
most boring nba playoffs so far
every gm W by double digits
the only interesting development is magic over pistons but thats not shocking. detroit’s young and inexperienced. not ready for prime time
spurs – celtics finals?
It’s the first round, what do you expect? 2nd round is when the real playoffs start. These are essentially warm up games for the top seeds.
“2nd round is when the real playoffs start. ”
then maybe nba should re organize the way the playoffs work. the play in + 1st round. oh but that would cut into ticket sales/ratings and thats all silver cares about….
How are the Magic that much more experienced than the Pistons? Both were one and done last year, and the Magic were also one and done the year before.
franz wagner is a star and was hurt most of the yr, but now healthy. orlando probly finish with alot more than 45 W if he didnt miss over half the season. and you’re right, magic have twice as much playoff experience. detroit might still squeak out a 7 gamer here but definitely proven not to be the elite tm in the east, but again thats not shocking. if hali and tatum were healthy all yr, pistons are at best a #3 seed. this series is more like 4-5 or 3-6 rather than 1-8
Wasn’t Cade injured for 15 games near the end of the season? Did the Pistons not go 11-4 in those games? If Orlando had been that good, they would have found a way to be better than they were without Franz.
Real playoff experience doesn’t start until a team wins a series, so neither have real experience. Also, the Magic were worse in last year’s playoffs than they were the year before.
Look man, I’m not a Pistons fan, so I’m not arguing on behalf of my team. If Orlando does somehow pull off the series, it will be considered a pretty big upset.
Also, you can’t sell me on the Pacers being better with Hali. I’m sorry, but if a team is only missing one of their key players, it should not drop from 50 to 19 wins. There has to be more issues in Indy than that.
It’s hard to watch when at the same time the Stanley Cup playoffs are going on. The Sabres comeback last night was a great watch. The Battle of Pennsylvania between the Flyers and Penguins is great. We get the Lightning vs Habs and Dallas vs Minnesota. And the play is so competitive and so high level.