Bill Simmons sums up Spurs star Victor Wembanyama’s dominance with Thunder fan ‘strip-searched’ mic drop

The San Antonio Spurs opened the Western Conference Finals with a statement victory Monday night, and NBA analyst Bill Simmons used a memorable comparison to describe the impact Victor Wembanyama had on the crowd during the 122-115 double overtime win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Wembanyama delivered one of the most dominant postseason performances in recent NBA history, finishing with 41 points, 24 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal in 49 minutes. The Spurs star also grabbed nine offensive rebounds while shooting 14-for-25 from the field and 12-for-13 from the free-throw line.

Following the victory, Simmons reacted on X, formerly known as Twitter, by highlighting both Wembanyama’s production and the stunned atmosphere inside Oklahoma City’s arena.

“Wemby played 48 minutes, had 41 points, 24 rebounds and 3 blocks, changed 20 other shots and made a must-make 30 footer from the Curry spot, and by the end of the game the OKC fans looked like they’d just been strip-searched — anyway he’s our player of the game.”

The performance pushed Wembanyama into historic territory alongside Wilt Chamberlain. He became the only player since Chamberlain to record at least 40 points and 20 rebounds in a conference finals or division finals debut in NBA playoff history.

Chamberlain previously accomplished the feat in 1960 when he posted 42 points and 29 rebounds.

Victor Wembanyama powers Spurs past Thunder in historic Game 1 performance

Wembanyama repeatedly overwhelmed Oklahoma City’s defense throughout the game with his combination of length, interior scoring and rebounding. He also delivered several key plays late, including a deep three-pointer in double overtime that helped San Antonio regain momentum after the Thunder threatened to steal Game 1.

The Spurs controlled the glass for much of the night behind Wembanyama’s activity around the rim, particularly on the offensive boards where his second-chance opportunities consistently extended possessions. Oklahoma City struggled to contain him inside while also dealing with San Antonio’s length defensively.

The Thunder received 24 points, 12 assists and five steals from reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but Oklahoma City could not overcome its shooting struggles late in the game as San Antonio closed out the win in double overtime.

The Spurs will attempt to take a 2-0 series lead in Game 2 on Wednesday night at 5:30 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock.

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