Victor Wembanyama is crafting an unforgettable legacy in his first NBA postseason. The San Antonio Spurs star delivered a historic performance in Game 3 of the Western Conference semi-finals, tallying 39 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocks in a 115-108 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. The win gave the Spurs a 2-1 lead in the series.
Wembanyama Joins Elite Company
The 22-year-old French phenom became only the fourth player in NBA history to record at least 35 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocks in a playoff game, joining Hall of Famers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Shaquille O'Neal. Remarkably, Wembanyama is the only one to achieve this while shooting above 70% from the floor, hitting 13 of 18 field goals and 10 of 12 free throws.
“It’s good to be along with the big fellas,” Wembanyama said, crediting Olajuwon for teaching him a spin fadeaway he used against Rudy Gobert during a 16-point fourth quarter.
Spurs Show Resilience
The Spurs remained unbeaten on the road this postseason, securing their first close win after four double-digit victories in the first round against the Portland Trail Blazers. Coach Mitch Johnson praised his team's growth: “They just continue showing growth.”
Wembanyama, who set an NBA postseason record with 12 blocks in the series opener, bounced back from a lackluster offensive performance in Game 1. He dominated Game 2 with a 133-95 win and carried that momentum into Game 3. Despite fresh cuts and bruises from battling in the paint, he emphasized the effort required: “It’s going to happen. They’re Wolves, after all.”
De’Aaron Fox added 17 points for the Spurs, while Stephon Castle contributed 13 points and 12 assists with a plus-17 rating. For the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards posted 32 points and 14 rebounds, and Naz Reid had 18 points and nine rebounds. Minnesota will host Game 4 on Sunday before the series returns to San Antonio for Game 5 on Tuesday.
Knicks Take 3-0 Lead Over 76ers
In the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks moved within one win of the conference finals after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 108-94 in Game 3. Jalen Brunson scored 33 points, delivering clutch baskets late to energize the Knicks fans. Josh Hart recorded 12 points and 11 rebounds, and Mikal Bridges added 23 points. The Knicks have a 3-0 series lead, with Game 4 set for Sunday in Philadelphia.
Joel Embiid returned for the Sixers after missing Game 2 with a sprained right ankle and sore right hip, scoring 18 points. The Knicks are managing without forward OG Anunoby, who is day to day with a strained right hamstring.
