'You can feel it' - Spurs' Wembanyama eager for NBA playoff debut

TL;DR

Victor Wembanyama is excited for his NBA playoff debut as the Spurs prepare to face the Trail Blazers. The Spurs, led by Wembanyama, are aiming for their first playoff victory in seven years.

Key points

Victor Wembanyama is eager for his NBA playoff debut.
The Spurs are facing the Trail Blazers in the first round.
Wembanyama averaged 25 points and 3.1 blocks this season.
The Spurs are heavy favorites for the playoff series.
Wembanyama has overcome injuries to contribute significantly.

Mentioned in this story

Tiago Splitter

San Antonio SpursPortland Trail BlazersOklahoma City Thunder

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama throws down a dunk in an NBA game against the Indiana Pacers (Ronald Cortes) (Ronald Cortes/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/Getty Images via AFP) Victor Wembanyama, whose rapid rise from teen phenom to superstar has transformed the San Antonio Spurs into legitimate title contenders, is relishing his first shot at NBA playoff glory. "This moment is what you work on all year, but also your whole career," Wembanyama said as the Spurs looked forward to their Western Conference first-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers -- the five-time champion franchise's first playoff appearance in seven years. Wembanyama, 22, has been the driving force of that resurgence which saw the Spurs claim the Western Conference second seed behind the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Drafted at 19, Wembanyama enjoyed a dazzling rookie campaign on a still struggling Spurs team that finished with 22 victories and 60 defeats. An outstanding sophomore season was brought to a premature close because of blood clots in his shoulder. The frightening diagnosis was just another blow for a Spurs team that had seen longtime coach Gregg Popovich step away after suffering a stroke. "It means a lot, coming back from a terrible place," said Wembanyama, who in his third campaign has placed himself unquestionably among the game's elite. He averaged a career-high 25 points per game and a league best 3.1 blocks to help the Spurs, who had 34 victories in 2024-25, pile up 62 wins. A front-runner for Defensive Player of the Year honors and in the Most Valuable Player mix, Wembanyama has been complemented this season by All-Star point guard De'Aaron Fox and explosive shooting guard . Fox is the only member of their starting five who has previous playoff experience, but reserves and have won NBA titles, Barnes with in 2015 and Kornet with in 2024. Wembanyama himself is no stranger to high-stakes games. He likened the playoff anticipation building in to the 2024 Olympics, where France won silver in front of home fans in a final against a USA team stacked with NBA superstars. "You can feel it, for sure," Wembanyama told reporters after practice on Wednesday. "Everybody is a little bit more locked in. Everybody is a little bit more involved." Wembanyama, who missed several games with a bruised rib in the waning days of the regular season, says he is "very close" to full fitness. "There's always something going on," he said. "In terms of regular-season shape, I'm very close." The Spurs go in as heavy favorites for the series starting this Sunday against the Trail Blazers, whose coach won an NBA title with San Antonio in 2014. Wembanyama says he's trying to stay focused on the first task in hand but admits it's tempting to look ahead to a possible championship. "I can't really help but dream about it, but we have to stay grounded, stay in the moment," he said. bb/amz

Q&A

What is Victor Wembanyama's role in the Spurs' playoff chances?

Victor Wembanyama is a key player for the Spurs, averaging 25 points per game and leading the team in blocks, significantly contributing to their playoff success.

When do the Spurs play their first playoff game against the Trail Blazers?

The Spurs' first playoff game against the Trail Blazers is scheduled for this Sunday.

How has Wembanyama's performance impacted the Spurs' season?

Wembanyama's outstanding performance has transformed the Spurs into title contenders, helping them achieve 62 wins this season.