By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Victor Wembanyama reflected on the latest milestone moment in his career after leading the San Antonio Spurs to a Game 5 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, securing a spot in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google.
Speaking at the postgame press conference after Tuesday’s game in Frost Bank Center, the 22-year-old French center shared his perspective on the unique intensity of postseason basketball. “Definitely a different feeling to winning against somebody and thinking that their season is over, and also playing the same team over and over again,” he described his first taste of a playoff series.
Despite the significance of the win, he was quick to shift his focus to the road ahead. “That’s a good way to start the Playoffs. We gained experience, and we are still hungry for even better matchups,” he mentioned.
When asked about the perceived limitations of the Spurs’ young roster, the Le Chesnay native dismissed any concerns about their lack of veteran leadership. “I’m not even trying to avoid that. It’s just not a thing,” he stated.
Wemby’s impact on the court was undeniable as he finished the series-clinching game with 17 points, 14 rebounds, and six blocks. His defensive presence drew high praise from Blazers interim head coach Tiago Splitter, who struggled to find ways to counteract the young star’s reach.
“It’s extremely difficult. You’ve got to do a lot of tricks,” the Brazilian tactician said on the challenge of coaching against Wembanyama. “It’s not easy, because he can contest a three and the rim at the same time, basically. He’s going to create a lot of problems for a lot of teams for a long time.”
The Spurs now await the winner of the series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and 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