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Victor Wembanyama says he is ready to lead Spurs back to playoffs

Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs are bound for the second round of the 2026 NBA playoffs. 

On Tuesday night, the Spurs won their first playoff series since 2017 and the first in the Wembanyama era. They ousted the seventh-seeded Portland Trail Blazers in the alive Frost Bank Center.

It’s a point of temporary satisfaction, but the Spurs know they have their eyes set on bigger goals. As the postseason progresses, it’ll soon become clear what the ceiling is of these young Spurs.

To the surprise of no one, Wembanyama had his pawprint all over the first round. He suffocated the Blazers, who tapped out in five games after blowing a pair of large leads at home in Games 3 and 4. 

With bigger challenges soon ahead, Wembanyama has a chance to continue proving his rising superstar status.

Victor Wembanyama Captures Huge Feat in First Round Win

Ultimately, the Spurs met most people’s expectations. The majority predicted the Spurs would win their first round series against the Blazers in four or five games. That’s exactly what happened, even though San Antonio hit some significant bumps along the way, including an injury to Wembanyama and stretches of subpar play on the road. 

Be that as it may, the Spurs are headed for a date with the winner of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets first round series.

Against Portland, Wembanyama especially started and ended great. 

He poured in 35 points on 83% 3-point shooting in his playoff debut. In the final two games, he flexed his incredible defensive muscle and made some history. 

After the Spurs’ Game 5 win, the NBA announced the 22-year-old star big man recorded the fifth-most blocks over the final two  games of the series since the 1973-74 season, two spots behind Spurs icon Tim Duncan.

Reactions to the Big Series Win

Yes, the Spurs were absolutely expected to hammer the Blazers out of the postseason. But for a franchise that hadn’t won a playoff series in nearly a decade, it has to feel good to finally win one again.

“It was probably our most professional game of the series,” said Spurs guard Stephon Castle, who recorded 15 points and five assists in the series-clinching win. “We punched them in the chest first in a game that mattered, especially when they were on the ropes. Just watching [Spurs guard De’Aaaron Fox] play, not really pressing or forcing anything, and then to be able to close a game out like that, it’s a talent. Having him with us, especially in late, close games when things start getting tight, to have that stability from a vet guard is good to be a part of.”

Said Wembanyama: “That was just one example of how a series can go, and that’s a good way to start the playoffs. We gained experience. And I’m still hungry for even better matchups.”

Those better matchups are on the way. 

San Antonio could face the fearless Wolves without Anthony Edwards for at least part of the series. The Spurs could also do battle with the battle-tested Nuggets.

Both teams could give the Spurs a tough series, especially the Nuggets, who now see new life in the first round after going down 3-1 because of Minnesota’s injuries. 

A few weeks ago, we caught a thrilling preview of what a Spurs-Nuggets series could look like. 

For now, the Spurs have some time to rest and recover before they discover their next opponent.