Wembanyama message – Victor Wembanyama says he can’t put into words what beating the Thunder in Game 7 means to Gregg Popovich, but he made it clear he needs to talk to the Spurs coach. The Spurs’ All-Star finished with 22 points in an eight-point Game 7 win, and now San Antonio i
OKLAHOMA CITY — The final horn sounded and Victor Wembanyama didn’t rush to dress it up. There was no neat answer ready for how the win over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 would land with Gregg Popovich.
When a reporter asked what the victory will mean to Popovich, Wembanyama simply couldn’t explain it. “I can’t answer that question. I don’t know what it means for him. That’s a guy who’s got more experience as a coach than almost anybody. And has been through so many things in his career. And so many things right now as El Jefe. ” the Spurs All-Star said during his postgame media availability after eliminating Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder. “He goes through some things we can’t even imagine. So, I need to call him. I need to see. I need to talk to him because there’s no way I can understand right now how he feels.”.
Wembanyama wasn’t done making the point. He had the spark of a player reaching a new level, but the message was shaped like respect and urgency rather than victory lap.
The numbers backed it up. In Game 7, Wembanyama finished with 22 points on 7-for-15 shooting, including 3-for-5 from deep. He also added seven rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal as the Spurs posted an eight-point win against the Thunder.
Julian Champagnie joined him in carrying the offense at the right moment, scoring 20 points and knocking down six threes. Stephon Castle finished with 16 points, and De’Aaron Fox scored 15 points. Wembanyama led seven Spurs players in double figures, with all five starters reaching double digits.
Even with the Thunder eliminated, Wembanyama’s attention was already moving forward. “WE WANT FOUR MORE. WE ARE NOT DONE,” he said loud and clear postgame.
Those four wins are now pointed toward the NBA Finals. The Spurs will host the Knicks in Game 1 on Wednesday, with Wembanyama still chasing the championship goal he has yet to reach.
Victor Wembanyama Gregg Popovich San Antonio Spurs Oklahoma City Thunder Game 7 Western Conference Finals Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Julian Champagnie Stephon Castle De'Aaron Fox Knicks NBA Finals
Popovich calling is like a coach-to-coach thing?? good for him i guess
How is Game 7 over and now it’s straight to the Knicks?? Didnt they play someone else lol. Also Wembanyama talking like he’s scared of Pop’s feelings
I mean Popovich always acts mysterious, so of course he’s gonna have “some things we can’t even imagine.” Next thing you know he’ll blame the refs or the Thunder practice gym. Still Wemby had 22 so that’s solid, but 8-point win sounds kinda close for “stun”
Love the whole “need to talk to him” part but it’s funny because Pop is like 90 years old so what’s he gonna say? Like “you did great kid” lol. Spurs vs Knicks in the Finals already?? I swear basketball playoffs move faster every year and I can’t keep up. Also Thunder were defending champs right, so losing to San Antonio is huge but idk how Shai got eliminated if he’s supposed to be unstoppable