San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama found extra motivation for Game 5 after a meaningful interaction with Gregg Popovich.
The 22-year-old erupted for 27 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks to lead the Spurs to a dominant 126-97 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center.
San Antonio is now one win away from the Western Conference finals with a 3-2 series lead.
This performance followed an emotional Game 4 loss in Minnesota. Wembanyama was ejected in that contest after a Flagrant 2 foul involving Naz Reid.
Popovich shared a long embrace with the young star on the tarmac after the team plane touched down in San Antonio on Monday. The exchange clearly energized Wembanyama. He revealed what transpired during his postgame availability.
“Yeah, I mean, I feel like I’m not going to leave here anything he said, obviously, but he maybe wanted to make a statement or make his talking even more impactful by being there,” Wembanyama said.
“But he gives feedback and talks to us regularly, you know, throughout series, throughout games. So, as always, when he speaks, everybody listens.”
Popovich will always be a beloved figure in San Antonio. He coached the team for 29 seasons and won five NBA titles. He stepped down from coaching in 2025 following a stroke and now serves as the President of Basketball Operations and Special Advisor for the Spurs.
The 77-year-old’s influence was felt greatly throughout this second-round series against the Wolves. After San Antonio lost Game 1 at home, Popovich reportedly stepped in. He personally took over the team’s film session before the Spurs bounced back in the series.
The Popovich effect was in full display in Game 5. The Spurs played to their full potential with a lopsided 29-point win. Popovich may no longer be on the sidelines, but Wembanyama continues to thrive under his steady guidance.
Related: New Video of Spurs Legend Gregg Popovich Emerges Before NBA Playoffs
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
