Spurs Recognize Victor Wembanyama's Historic NBA Accomplishment

Victor Wembanyama delivered on the hype in his NBA playoff debut on Sunday night.

In the San Antonio Spurs‘ 111-98 Game 1 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, Wembanyama scored a game-high 35 points. The 7-foot-4 Frenchman shot 13/21 from the field and 5/6 from behind the 3-point arc.

With 35 points in his playoff debut, Wembanyama surpassed the previous Spurs franchise record of 32 set by legendary NBA superstar Tim Duncan. He also became the first player in league history to record at least 35 points with five made three pointers in a postseason debut.

The Spurs took to social media to recognize Wembanyama’s historic achievements.

“Franchise record for most points in a playoff debut. The only player in NBA history with at least 35 PTS & 5 3PM in a playoff debut …and just getting started,” the Spurs wrote on X.

Wembanyama showed no hesitation diving into the NBA playoff atmosphere, scoring 21 of 35 points in the first half.

“I thought he was ready,” Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said after the game, via ESPN. “There’s an approach that we all have in terms of expectation of a heightened level of preparation, detail, nuance, competitiveness, physicality, everything. There’s a real desire for that young man to participate in that. This was his first playoff game, and he has lofty expectations and goals for himself.”

“He probably settled in a little bit later when he made some shots and his talent popped,” Johnson continued. “But he really settled in there at a point when our defense kicked it into another gear. [Portland] did a good job of trying to create multiple actions and some confusion. [Wembanyama] did a good job of quarterbacking from the second line, getting guys organized.”

Wembanyama and the Spurs will tipoff against the Trail Blazers in a Game 2 matchup on Tuesday night.

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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 11:58 AM.