Victor Wembanyama took his dominant defense to a whole new level as the San Antonio Spurs hosted the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals Monday night.
In Wembanyama's first postseason run, he has been one of the best players in the league. The two-time All-Star has led the Spurs to the second round of the playoffs. It's the first time that San Antonio has reached the second round since 2017.
Wembanyama is leading the way for the team as they aim to win the title.
Victor Wembanyama Made NBA History
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Wembanyama recorded seven blocks in the first two quarters of Game 1. Since the start of the NBA's play-by-play era (1996-97), the only player with more blocks in one half during the postseason is Dwight Howard, who recorded eight on April 18, 2010, when he was with the Orlando Magic.
The NBA recognized Wembanyama's feat on X.
"7 SWATS FOR WEMBY IN ONE HALF!" the NBA posted. "Most blocks in ANY postseason half in the PxP era: Dwight Howard (8, 4/18/2010), Victor Wembanyama (7, 5/4/2026)."
In the middle of the fourth quarter, Wembanyama made history with his 11th block of the game.
By the end of the game, Wembanyama had 11 points, 15 rebounds and 12 blocks. He joined Andrew Bynum and Hakeem Olajuwon as the only players to record a triple-double with blocks in postseason play. Unfortunately for the Spurs, they suffered a 104-102 defeat in Game 1.
Wembanyama did not show any pressure in his first conference semifinal game. Ahead of Game 1, the Frenchman spoke highly of his fellow countryman Rudy Gobert. According to the 7-foot-4 star, the four-time Defensive Player of the Year is the Timberwolves player who is among his inspirations on the court.
"As a role model, there’s lots of things that he’s inspired me and I think should inspire more people. In terms of taking care of your body, he should be a role model for all big men. It’s even more fun if we’re playing against Rudy, amazing for French basketball," Wembanyama said.
The Spurs will try to even the series in Game 2 on Wednesday night at 9:30 p.m. ET.
