Victor Wembanyama delivered a landmark performance in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals, posting 41 points and 24 rebounds to lead the San Antonio Spurs past the Oklahoma City Thunder 122-115 in double overtime on May 18 at Paycom Center.
The French center played 49 minutes in his conference finals debut, joining Charles Barkley, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Moses Malone as the only players in NBA history to record at least 40 points and 20 rebounds in a conference finals game. He sealed the victory with back-to-back dunks in the final minute of the second extra period after Chet Holmgren blocked his potential game-winner at the end of regulation.
In the first overtime, Wembanyama connected on a tying three-pointer from well behind the arc with 28 seconds left to force a second extra period. Rookie guard Dylan Harper added 24 points, 11 rebounds and a playoff-record seven steals for San Antonio, while Alex Caruso scored 31 points off the bench for Oklahoma City.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 24 points and 12 assists but went 7 for 23 from the field after scoring just four points in the first half. The Spurs snapped Oklahoma City’s recent playoff win streak and took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 2 was scheduled for Wednesday in Oklahoma City on NBC and Peacock.
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Sources:
https://www.outlookindia.com/sports