Wembanyama scores 35, most by Spur in playoff debut, in Game 1 win
ESPN • • general
Key Points:
- Victor Wembanyama led the San Antonio Spurs to a 111-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 1 of the first-round Western Conference playoff series, scoring a franchise-record 35 points for a postseason debut.
- Wembanyama became the first NBA player to score 35 or more points in his playoff debut while making at least five 3-pointers, shooting 13-of-21 from the field and 5-of-6 from beyond the arc.
- Despite facing eight different defenders and various defensive tactics, Wembanyama dominated on both ends, holding Portland scoreless on 11 contested attempts and contributing five rebounds and two blocks.
- The Spurs improved their playoff home record against Portland to 11-0, the best home record by any NBA team against a single franchise, with Wembanyama scoring 14 points in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
- Wembanyama anticipates increased defensive pressure in Game 2 but expressed confidence in the Spurs' readiness, while acknowledging the energizing presence of Spurs legends Tim Duncan and David Robinson in the crowd.
