Victor Wembanyama put on a show in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. With a thunderous 41-point, 24-rebound double-double, the 7-foot-4 center showcased his defensive arsenal and hounded whoever tried to attack in the paint. Considering the dominance Wemby has shown, Stephen A. Smith was concerned for the New York Knicks.
The Spurs have one of the youngest starting lineups in the league, but the talent is overpowering the experience right now. Wemby, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper have shared the heavy-lifting duties, and all scored double-doubles. In the East, the Knicks are touted to come out as the victor.
NBA analyst and the New York native Stephen A. Smith shared his concern for the Knicks and said:
“I didn’t sleep well last night. I didn’t sleep well because I am a New Yorker, obviously, with huge aspirations for the Knicks. I watched brother Wembanyama last night, and I said, ‘Oh, my god.’ What answer there is, probably for this brother… Their composure didn’t dissipate at all; they didn’t flinch… Game 2 is a must-win situation. If not, the San Antonio Spurs are going to the finals.”
The Knicks have been stellar thus far in the postseason but have had their share of hiccups. Karl-Anthony Towns will undoubtedly have a tough time matching up with superstar Victor Wembanyama. But first, the Knicks will have to overcome a Cleveland Cavaliers hurdle. Until then, Wemby is letting everybody know who is “No. 1?”
Victor Wembanyama does “I’m No. 1” gesture after winning Game 1
The Spurs defeated the OKC Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals, 122-115, in a double overtime thriller. After the game, Wemby was even seen taunting the MVP with his “I’m No. 1” gesture.
The 7-foot-4 center’s double-double included nine offensive boards. More than that, he looked really comfortable taking his shots and taking advantage of the mismatches in the paint. No matter what defender head coach Mark Daigneault threw at him, he had an answer.
After a grueling double overtime game, Wemby seemed to be reinstating his claim on the top spot. He seemingly said:
“I’m number 1… I told you”
For now, the Spurs have the upper hand after beginning the series on a positive note. Given the talent on both sides, this series is not expected to finish any time soon.
Although both teams played some smothering defense, the Spurs were just better in the end. The French center drained a deep 3-pointer in the final minutes of the second overtime and gave a crucial lead to the team. The defensive tenacity was evident in the fact that no starter, besides Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, could score in double digits.
Wemby is a rim protector, and he gave his all on that front. He stood tall against any offensive momentum from the Thunder and did not let his team lose motivation against a packed home crowd at Paycom Center.
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