The NBA world witnessed Victor Wembanyama's brilliance on Monday during Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. Wembanyama had 41 points, 24 rebounds and three blocks to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 122-115 double-overtime win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, who suffered their first loss of the postseason.
Wembanyama ruined the reigning champs' special evening. Ahead of the contest, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver presented the Michael Jordan Trophy to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as league MVP.
But it was Wembanyama who dominated as Gilgeous-Alexander struggled to a 7-for-23 performance from the field.
Trae Young of the Washington Wizards was among those who reacted to Wembanyama's impressive outing. Young had high praise for the two-time All-Star on X.
"Wemby may actually be an Alien 👽" the NBA star posted.
Wembanyama was everywhere on the floor, especially during the crucial moments. From the final two minutes of the fourth quarter until the end of the game, Wembanyama scored 16 points. He took advantage of mismatches against smaller defenders and opened up the floor with his ability to shoot from beyond the arc.
The Spurs will look to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series in Game 2 on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Carmelo Anthony Was in Awe of Victor Wembanyama
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Many people eagerly anticipated Wembanyama's maiden conference finals appearance. The Spurs star did not disappoint, and even former NBA star Carmelo Anthony was in awe with what he saw from the young star.
During the NBC postgame show, the former New York Knicks star marveled at what he saw from Wembanyama.
"We've never seen this before," Anthony said. "He pulled up for three, he got a block, he got an and-1 dunk, he got a one-handed dunk — he was still on the ground. Anything you do in a basketball game."
"As a fan of the game, to see what Wemby did tonight and to see how he dominated the game in every aspect."
Wembanyama has been the best player for the Spurs in this year's postseason run. Before the conference finals started, the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year led San Antonio with 20.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 4.1 blocks per game.
