The San Antonio Spurs punched their ticket to the second round with a convincing 114-95 win over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 5. Tuesday’s game was pretty one-sided, but it still delivered plenty of standout moments, especially on the defensive end from Victor Wembanyama.
As usual, Wembanyama dominated defensively and finished with six blocks. One of them, though, had everyone talking. Late in the game, Deni Avdija managed to get a floater up despite being heavily guarded by Dylan Harper. But out of nowhere, Wembanyama emerged to block the shot.
Wembanyama sent the ball deep into the stands, turning a routine defensive play into a viral moment almost instantly.
Shortly after, social media users mocked the Israeli All-Star for the same.
“BLOCKED WAS PROMISED 3000 YEARS AGO,” @immodsty wrote.
“these are video game blocks wtf!” @MeeSowCorny said.
“A freak of nature, he doesn’t even need to try too hard 🥶,” @koredeJr7 wrote.
“He sent it back to Portland….sheesh,” @Joni249510 said.
“Deni should crawl back into his tunnel😂,” @Cody84981094 said.
Beyond the highlight, Wembanyama had a 17-point, 14-rebound double-double. He now wraps up his first playoff series, averaging 21.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.0 blocks per game.
Shaquille O’Neal lauds Victor Wembanyama following series win over Portland
Victor Wembanyama is receiving well-earned praise after delivering a game-winning performance that secured the Spurs’ first playoff series victory since 2017. Among those impressed was Shaquille O’Neal, who didn’t hold back in his admiration, even calling Wembanyama the “perfect big man.”
“I think Wemby is the first perfect big man that’s ever been created,” Shaq said. “He can shoot, free throws, play defense, play offense, he’s a great team player. I’m happy for Wemby. For me in a long time he’s a joy to watch.”
For someone like Shaq, who has always taken pride in his own dominance, that kind of statement carries real weight. Calling someone else the perfect big man, especially a young player still early in his career, says a lot about just how special Wembanyama looks right now and how high his ceiling could be.
Spurs fans have every reason to celebrate the moment. But knowing Wembanyama’s competitive mindset, his focus is likely already shifting to the next series, whether that ends up being the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Denver Nuggets.
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