The difference between the regular season and postseason basketball is often discussed and this season is no exception. We’ve seen stars and teams elevate their games, while others have folded under pressure despite looking dominant during the preliminaries. The latter often happens to playoff debutants who have not yet experienced the difference between going through different opponents and navigating through a seven-game series. 

For Victor Wembanyama, though, the circumstances never really mattered. 

Double-teams, triple-teams, and the physical defense did not deter Wembanyama from having what is arguably the best postseason debut for a San Antonio Spur scoring-wise. The Spurs were able to offset Wembanyama’s low rebound numbers with a platoon effort (although they were the second-best rebounding team in the regular season) and the Frenchman was happy to pour in his efforts on scoring against the Portland Trail Blazers’ helpless defenders. In fact, even Wembanyama’s misses were worthy of a highlight reel. 

Credit must be given to how San Antonio’s coaching staff prepared Wembanyama this season, but Wembanyama himself is responsible for putting together the coaching and his own effort onto the court. The top overall selection in the 2023 NBA Draft has evidently refined his game to the point that he is both a unique talent and a devastating force. It’s not easy to defend a 7-footer whose range is beyond the 3-point line, especially one that isn’t afraid to get physical on the defensive end. 

The Spurs would prefer to be cautious given his slight frame and injury history, but they have to be happy with how their franchise player has responded with all eyes on him. Clearly, he’s not one to back down from a challenge and his demeanor is equally important for the team as is his production. The rest of the San Antonio squad takes their cues from Wembanyama and if he is willing to battle in the trenches, then there’s no reason they shouldn’t do so as well. 

Of course, one game can generate excitement, but the series is far from over. The Blazers could have learned a thing or two from Game 1, especially when Wembanyama sits out. Aside from Wembanyama, the Spurs were able to get contributions from eight of the 12 other San Antonio players who entered the game, but it remains to be seen how Portland makes adjustments that could force the Spurs to make ill-advised decisions. 

Nonetheless, momentum remains on the side of Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. We might as well pray for the other teams in the Western Conference as health be willing, Wembanyama is on the cusp of greatness. And try as they might, Wembanyama may be working towards a dominant run that could end in June.