Spurs' Victor Wembanyama Makes Defensive History in Game 1 Against Timberwolves
When it comes to defense, no player could compare to San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs faced the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals, and Wembanyama continued his dominant defensive playoff performance on Monday for Game 1.
In Wembanyama's first postseason run, he has been one of the best players in the league. The two-time All-Star has led the Spurs to the second round of the playoffs. It's the first time that San Antonio has reached the second round since the 2017 playoffs.
Wembanyama is leading the way for the team as they aim to win the title.
Victor Wembanyama Made NBA History With His Blocks
Wembanyama became the second player in the play-by-play era (1996-97) to have the most blocks in a playoff half. He recorded seven blocks in the first two quarters of Game 1. The only player who has the most in any postseason half is former NBA star Dwight Howard, who recorded eight blocks on April 18, 2010, when he was with the Orlando Magic.
The NBA recognized Wembanyama's feat on X.
"7 SWATS FOR WEMBY IN ONE HALF!" the NBA posted. "Most blocks in ANY postseason half in the PxP era: Dwight Howard (8, 4/18/2010), Victor Wembanyama (7, 5/4/2026)."
7 SWATS FOR WEMBY IN ONE HALF!
— NBA (@NBA) May 5, 2026
Most blocks in ANY postseason half in the PxP era:
Dwight Howard (8, 4/18/2010)
Victor Wembanyama (7, 5/4/2026) pic.twitter.com/TSIg6AZkrd
Wembanyama did not show any pressure in his first conference semifinal game. Ahead of Game 1, the Frenchman spoke highly of his fellow countryman, Rudy Gobert. According to the 7-foot-4 star, the four-time Defensive Player of the Year is the Timberwolves player who is among his inspirations on the court.
"As a role model, there's lots of things that he's inspired me and I think should inspire more people. In terms of taking care of your body, he should be a role model for all big men. It's even more fun if we're playing against Rudy, amazing for French basketball," Wembanyama said.
Even before he made it to the NBA, Gobert had been around him and helped him develop into one of the best defensive big men. Despite having natural height and length, Wembanyama improved as a player thanks to the Timberwolves star's mentoring. It has also helped the Spurs star become the first player in league history to win the Defensive Player of the Year unanimously.
This is the first time that the two big men will face each other in the playoffs. It will be the teacher against the student in a best-of-seven series.
Related: NBA Legend Shaquille O'Neal Makes Bold Victor Wembanyama Statement
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This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 8:33 PM.