Paul Pierce is not holding back when it comes to Victor Wembanyama’s place among basketball’s greats. The former NBA champion made a massive claim about the Spurs star, saying Wembanyama is the most complete player he has ever seen, even when compared to names like LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Nikola Jokic.
For Pierce, it is not just Wemby’s size or highlight plays that separate him. It is the way he changes the game defensively, then turns around and creates offense with the skill set of a guard.
Speaking on a recent episode of the ‘No Fouls Given’ podcast, Pierce said, “He is the most complete player we’ve ever seen play the game. Like, we can talk about Bron, Jordan, Joker he is the most complete player in the history of the game. The way he influences the defense, then when he turns it offensive he’s making all kind of shots.”
Victor Wembanyama Dominates in Game 5
Victor Wembanyama did not just return for Game 5. He took the game over.
After being tossed early in the previous matchup, Wembanyama came back looking locked in and helped the Spurs deliver a statement 126-97 win over the Timberwolves. His final line was huge: 27 points, 17 rebounds, five assists and three blocks, the kind of all-around performance that reminded everyone why San Antonio’s ceiling is so high.
The Spurs came out with real edge, and Wembanyama was right in the middle of it. He was active early, hit from outside, finished inside, and gave Minnesota problems on both ends. The Timberwolves did manage to punch back after halftime, briefly erasing a large deficit, but San Antonio quickly regained control.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) fakes to shoot over Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) during the second half of game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Keldon Johnson’s energy was important in that stretch, especially as the Spurs answered Minnesota’s run and pulled away again. De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle also chipped in, giving San Antonio enough balance around Wembanyama.
Minnesota, meanwhile, could not sustain its best moments. Anthony Edwards finished with 20 points, while Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels added support, but the Wolves’ defense fell apart late in the third quarter and the game slipped away fast.
Now the Spurs are up 3-2 and one win from the Western Conference finals. After all the drama around Wembanyama’s ejection, Game 5 felt like his answer.
Related: Donovan Mitchell’s Historic Night Draws Major Praise From Magic Johnson
This story was originally published by Lindys Sports on May 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Lindys Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
