Victor Wembanyama delivered a dominant performance as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 126-97 in Game 5 of the Western Conference semi-finals to take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series
The 22-year-old French star scored 27 points, including a stunning 18-point first quarter, helping San Antonio move within one win of a place in the Western Conference finals against the reigning NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Thunder booked their place in the conference finals after completing a 4-0 sweep over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Wembanyama’s standout display came just days after he was ejected for the first time in his NBA career during Game 4 for elbowing an opponent. Despite the incident, he avoided suspension and returned strongly in Game 5.
Reflecting on his return, Wembanyama admitted he felt nervous heading into the game.
“I was fresh, feeling good. But honestly, it’s hard to tell if it was just getting fired up,” he said.
“Obviously, I’m going to be excited with butterflies, you know. So excitement is not something abnormal.”
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson praised the youngster’s composure and maturity after the controversy surrounding the previous match.
“There’s a lot that’s happened in the last 48 hours, in the last game, and I think how that young man came out tonight and played in a variety of ways, in a variety of situations, was extremely mature,” Johnson said.
San Antonio initially built an 18-point lead in the second quarter, but Minnesota fought back to level the score at 61-61 early in the third quarter.
However, the Spurs responded emphatically, outscoring the Timberwolves 30-12 over the next stretch to carry a commanding 91-73 lead into the final quarter before cruising to victory.
The series now shifts back to Minneapolis for Game 6 on Friday, where the Spurs will attempt to secure their spot in the Western Conference finals.
