Victor Wembanyama achieved a remarkable 12 blocks, a new NBA Playoffs record, surpassing the previous mark of 10 held by Hakeem Olajuwon, Mark Eaton, and Andrew Bynum. Despite this historic defensive effort, Wembanyama also contributed 11 points and 15 rebounds, though he shot 5-of-17 from the field. He is only the third player since the stat’s official tracking in 1973-74 to record a triple-double including blocks in the playoffs. Notably, he blocked Rudy Gobert’s layup close to the basket in the first half, one of his seven first-half rejections.
The Minnesota Timberwolves saw an early return from Anthony Edwards, who scored 18 points in 25 minutes. Edwards, who was expected to miss at least the initial two games due to a bone bruise and knee hyperextension suffered on April 25th, played surprisingly well. Rudy Gobert posted 7 points, 10 rebounds, 4 steals, and 1 block.
The San Antonio Spurs were unable to secure a victory, as Julian Champagnie missed a potential game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer.
“There were good and bad. … I need to be better. If our offensive leaders had been better, it would have been different,” commented Victor Wembanyama.