Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs continued their dominance Friday night, securing a gutsy 115-108 victory on the road at Target Center in Minneapolis to take a 2-1 series lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals.
Wembanyama once again led the Spurs from the front, finishing with an impressive 39 points, 15 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and five blocks while shooting 13-of-18 from the field and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc.
With this performance, Wembanyama joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (twice), Hakeem Olajuwon (three times), and Shaquille O’Neal (three times) as the only players in NBA history to record at least 35 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocks in a postseason game. Of the four, he is the only one to achieve the feat while shooting better than 70% from the field.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama and former head coach Gregg Popovich speak during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Following the game, Wembanyama credited his performance to legendary Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, saying he speaks with him before and after every game.
“I speak to [Coach Pop] every day before and after games,” Wembanyama revealed. “He really emphasizes taking my time, playing off two feet, and not rushing.”
NBA on Prime’s Allie Clifton reported Friday that Popovich had visited the Spurs facility after their 104-102 upset loss to the Timberwolves in the series opener, where the NBA’s all-time winningest coach shared valuable advice with the young Spurs squad.
“After the Spurs’ Game 1 loss, a lot of attention quickly shifted to a film session,” Clifton said. “A film session where the great Gregg Popovich imparted his wisdom on the young Spurs squad. Harrison Barnes telling me this morning, Pop’s message centered on two things. First, quieting the outside noise. And number two, what can he do today? What tangible things can the team clean up? Everything else, Pop says, is secondary.”
Popovich’s advice quickly paid off as the Spurs bounced back with a dominant 133-95 victory in Game 2, with Wembanyama posting 19 points and 15 rebounds.
San Antonio looked in control for most of Friday’s game as well. Although the Timberwolves managed to cut the lead to just one point in the fourth quarter, Wembanyama ensured the Spurs took a 2-1 lead in the series by scoring 16 of his 39 points in the final frame to shut the door on any hopes of a Minnesota comeback.
Wembanyama was well supported by De’Aaron Fox, who scored 17 points, while Stephon Castle added 13 points and 12 assists. Minnesota was led by Anthony Edwards with 32 points, but Wembanyama and company proved too much to handle, especially with Popovich helping guide the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.
Related: NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal Makes Bold Victor Wembanyama Statement
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
