Victor Wembanyama declined to speak with reporters following San Antonio’s 127-114 loss to the OKC Thunder in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.
Tuesday marked the first time this postseason the Spurs superstar skipped postgame media availability after playing.
It was a rough night for the third-year All-Star, who finished with 20 points and six rebounds on 4-of-15 shooting from the field.
OKC emphasized physicality with Wembanyama early in Game 5, using several defenders to help push him out the paint and live on the perimeter. Only six of Wembanyama’s 15 shot attempts came near the restricted area, where he converted just three. His outside rhythm never arrived either, missing all five of his 3-point attempts despite going a perfect 12-for-12 at the free-throw line.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson made it clear afterward that San Antonio needs a far more assertive version of its franchise star in Game 6.
“We’re gonna need to (get him going),” Johnson said. “He’s got to take more than 15 shots, even with the free throws. He’s going to have to score more than 20 points for sure. OKC did a good job, and we’ve got to do a better job.”
Wembanyama delivered a historic masterpiece with 41 points and 24 rebounds on just 25 shot attempts to stun the Thunder on the road in Game 1. He followed that up with another takeover performance in Game 4, pouring in 33 points on 22 shots to help even the series.
But now, with San Antonio trailing 3-2 and facing postseason elimination for the first time since 2019, the pressure surrounding Wembanyama has only intensified.
The Spurs know their path back to OKC for a winner-take-all Game 7 likely begins with their superstar rediscovering his aggression.
“They send so many bodies towards (Victor), it’s hard at times,” Spurs guard Stephon Castle said. “I think he just wants to make the right play and wants to win, so it’s tough. He’s our best player. So, yeah, we need him to be aggressive. I feel like that him being aggressive opens up shots for other guys as well.”
Jordan Davis covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Jordan? He can be reached at jdavis@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @thejordancdavis. Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Jordan’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Victor Wembanyama skips media availability after Spurs’ Game 5 loss
About the Author
