Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama makes playoff history not seen since Shaq

Victor Wembanyama joined Shaquille O’Neal and two other NBA legends in playoff history after a dominant performance in the San Antonio Spurs’ Game 3 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.

Wembanyama is going through the first postseason of his young NBA career with the Spurs. He shined in his third campaign as one of the best players in the entire league, being a firm nominee for Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player.

In 37 minutes of action, Wembanyama filled up the stat sheet as Minnesota had trouble keeping him away from the basket. He finished with 39 points, 15 rebounds, five blocks, one assist, and one steal. He shot 13-of-18 from the field, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, and 10-of-12 from the free-throw line. His efforts allowed him to match O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Hakeem Olajuwon in history.

Players who have recorded 35+ PTS, 15+ REB, 5+ BLK in a playoff game:

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Hakeem Olajuwon
Shaquille O'Neal

And now Victor Wembanyama! pic.twitter.com/OVmuwsrTwb

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 9, 2026

How Victor Wembanyama, Spurs played against Timberwolves

Victor Wembanyama is on a mission to prove himself as one of the NBA’s elite stars. His Game 3 performance against the Timberwolves is evidence that he is here to stay as one of the best players in the game, something the Spurs will be grateful for.

Shot selection and stocks (steals and blocks) made the difference in this matchup. The Spurs prevailed in both categories after making 46% of their total shots and recording 16 stocks. It wasn’t the same for the Timberwolves as they only knocked down 38% of their total attempts and managed just 10 stocks.

Five players scored in double-digits for San Antonio in the win, including Wembanyama. De’Aaron Fox produced a solid display with 17 points, five assists, three rebounds, and one steal. He shot 7-of-19 overall, including 1-of-5 from downtown, and 2-of-3 from the charity stripe. Stephon Castle came next with 13 points and 12 assists, Devin Vassell had 13 points and six rebounds, while Keldon Johnson provided 11 points and two rebounds.

The Spurs will look to take a 3-1 series lead when they face the Timberwolves in Game 4. The contest will commence on May 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

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