By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Following the San Antonio Spurs‘ series-clinching victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Frost Bank Center on Tuesday, the crew of Inside the NBA broke down the impact of Victor Wembanyama’s postseason debut. Shaquille O’Neal, often a harsh critic of modern bigs, offered perhaps the highest praise of the young Frenchman’s career to date, describing him as a singular force in the history of the sport.
“I think Wemby is the first perfect big man that has ever been created. He can shoot, free throws, play defense, play offense, and he’s a great team player. I’m happy for the Spurs. I’m happy for Wemby,” the former dominant NBA force said during the broadcast.
The Hall of Fame center noted that while the current style of play for interior players rarely meets his standards, the 7-foot-4 big’s versatility and execution have forced him to reconsider his stance.
“He’s a joy to watch. I don’t usually enjoy the big men how they play now, but he plays so perfectly, I actually accept the way he plays,” he added.
“Wemby is the first perfect big man that’s ever created.”
—@Shaq with amazing praise for Victor Wembanyama 😳 pic.twitter.com/fN96RbmlPP
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 29, 2026
In his first four postseason games, Wemby averaged 21.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.0 blocks, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 steals per game in the opening round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google. These numbers are even more impressive considering he missed one game of the series while being placed in the league’s concussion protocol.
With the first-round hurdle cleared, the Spurs now move into a period of preparation as they await their next opponent, either the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Denver Nuggets.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 1-3 (101-112, 98-83, 105-113, 88-94)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 2-2 (126-113, 115-105, 104-126, 89-93)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 3-2 (113-102, 106-107, 108-109, 114-98, 126-97)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 3-2 (123-91, 97-111, 108-100, 128-96, 97-113)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
Western Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns 4-0 (119-84, 120-107, 121-109, 131-122)
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 3-1 (107-98, 101-94, 112-108, 96-115)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 2-3 (126-115, 114-119, 96-113, 96-112, 125-113)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers 4-1 (111-98, 103-106, 120-108, 114-93, 114-95)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Oklahoma City Thunder – Winner 2
6. San Antonio Spurs – Winner 3
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
NBA Finals 2026 (best-of-seven)
Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions