Coming off a tough loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves this past Sunday, the Spurs returned to the Frost Bank Center for Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals. With the series tied at 2-2, the winner of this game would dramatically increase their chances of winning the series. After having an early ejection in Game 4, Victor Wembanyama returned in a big way. He scored 16 points in six minutes to start, and finished the first quarter with 18. The Spurs led by 15, but Minnesota cut the lead to four heading into the second quarter. After a low-scoring quarter by both teams, the Spurs took a 12-point lead into halftime. Early in the third, Minnesota quickly cut the deficit and tied the game at 61 apiece. From that point on, the Spurs pressed on the accelerator. They embarked on an 18-6 run and took an 18-point lead into the fourth. The Wolves chipped away bit by bit, but only got within 11 points before the Spurs put them away for good. The Spurs ultimately won 126-97.
Victor Wembanyama led the way with 27 points (9-16 FG, 7-9 FT), 17 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks. After being ejected for elbowing Naz Reid in Game 4, Wemby was a man on a mission in Game 5. After setting the tone by having an explosive first quarter, Wemby got others involved and continued to dominate the glass. Wemby also became the third-youngest player in NBA history to drop 25+points, 15+rebounds, and 5+assists in a playoff game (Magic Johnson and Luka Doncic were younger). Ever since the rough offensive performance in Game 1, Wemby has been dominant in Games 2, 3, and 5 by averaging 28.3 points per game, 15.6 rebounds, 3.3 blocks, with 59% shooting from the field. It is safe to say, Minnesota has not figured out how to answer the Alien’s invasion on the court.
CAUTION: UFO APPROACHING. Wemby’s first quarter highlight reel consisted of putbacks, lob slams, threes, and putting Rudy Gobert in a blender!
When in doubt, pass it out! Wemby gets doubled and drops it off to a wide-open Carter Bryant, who then swishes the three!
REJECTED! Wemby and Julian Champagnie pull off a combo block on Gobert!
Impossible to box out! Wemby gets the tip-in through contact for the and-one!
Made you look! Wemby fakes out Gobert and finds an open Champagnie under the basket for two! Gobert was lost and kept spinning!
Keldon Johnson came alive for the first time in this series with 21 points (8-11 FG, 4-5 FT), two rebounds, two steals, and a block. After struggling from the field all series, KJ finally had his best playoff game. He was an extra boost for the offense, especially when Wemby was not on the court. He was also active on defense, racking up three stocks. The 6MOTY is the heart and soul of this team, and he showed out in front of the Spurs faithful.
CLEANUP ON AISLE 3! KJ slams home the missed three with a putback jam!
NOT IN HIS HOUSE! KJ steps up in a big way by blocking Gobert’s dunk attempt, and it results in a turnover!
HEART AND SOUL! This bucket embodies KJ to a tee. Fighting for position inside, finishing, and celebrating in front of the home crowd!
Two-way play! KJ picks up the loose ball on one end, and finishes with a layup on the other end!
De’Aaron Fox dropped 18 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Fox, dealing with ankle soreness, powered through and provided early scoring. He also dished out several dimes and had an impact on offense throughout the game. Fox has caught a bit of flak this postseason despite having solid games throughout the series. Nonetheless, he continues to do whatever the team requires of him, and having several other star guards, plus one of the league’s greatest players, makes his job a bit easier.
RONDO FAKE! Fox gets Gobert in the air and spins away for the floater!
FOX LOB! Fox drives into the paint and finds an open Wemby, who slams down the alley-oop finish!
Stephon Castle dropped 17 points (8-11 FG), six assists, four rebounds, two steals, and a block. Steph came alive in the second half, providing a spark when the game was deadlocked at 61 apiece. He played determined to get the cup by any means necessary, and played with a swagger that allowed the Spurs to build their lead. Whether he is playing alongside Fox, Dylan Harper, or as the lead guard, Steph has shown that he will make a play on either side of the floor. The 21-year-old continues to be a special two-way player for the silver and black.
FASTBREAK AND-ONE! Steph runs downhill and finishes through contact for the floater and-one!
Blow-by! Steph blows by Terrence Shannon Jr. for the slam dunk!
Spin cycle! Steph puts the moves on Anthony Edwards, including a spin move, and finishes off the glass!
WE HAVE LIFTOFF! Steph spins out of a possible double team, drives in, hopsteps, and launches for a two-handed jam!
THE GAMBLER! Steph intercepts the pass from Edwards and slams it home on the other end!
Dylan Harper dropped 12 points (5-10 FG), 10 rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block. Dylan once again played like a seasoned veteran in another playoff game. His handles and finishing at the rim are so elite that it has many Spurs fans and NBA fans wondering how it’s possible that this will be the worst version of him? He also became the youngest guard ever to record multiple double-doubles in the playoffs, passing Derrick Rose. The rookie has become the Spurs’ secret weapon in these playoffs and seems to have no issue playing his game, regardless of his matchup.
BIG GUARD THINGS! Dylan snatches the offensive board and finishes back at the rim over Julius Randle!
HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT! On the fastbreak, Dylan goes behind the back not once, but twice on Ayo Dosunmu for the breakaway slam!
Another look with slo-mo on the behind-the-back moves! Also, Manu Ginobili approves!
All in all, this was a much-needed win to tilt the series back in the Spurs’ favor. They held multiple double-digit leads throughout the game that were evaporated, but they took care of business from the middle of the third quarter till the end of the game. Wemby definitely played like he owed his team this game, and the supporting cast also stepped up when needed. Honorable mentions: Devin Vassell dropped 12 points, three rebounds, two assists, and a block. CB also played lockdown defense on Edwards that forced an 8-second violation. This team has ultimate confidence for Game 6. The question is, will they take care of business with a two-day rest?
Finally, here are the full game highlights.
The Spurs look to move on to the WCF with a Game 6 win this Friday at 8:30 P.M. (CST) on Prime Video.
