Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama felt some type of way going into his Western Conference finals debut after losing out on NBA MVP honors to Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
After putting up playoff career-highs in points (41) and rebounds (24), Wembanyama said it was personal for him when asked about Gilgeous-Alexander after San Antonio’s 122-115 double-overtime road victory Monday night in Game 1 against Oklahoma City.
“Was that in your mind at all knowing that Shai had gotten that award and you were in the top three for it — and did any part of tonight feel personal, some of your facial expressions kind of looked like you were really going for it,” Wembanyama was asked in his post-game press conference.
“Yeah, for sure, everything you just said,” Wembanyama said.
The French phenom did not elaborate further.
Gilgeous-Alexander was named MVP for the second straight year Sunday, beating out Wembanyama and Denver’s three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
Wembanyama used it as motivation for his historic Game 1 showing — highlighted by monster dunks and the occasional muscle flex.
His deep game-tying 3-pointer with 28 seconds left in the first overtime forced a second extra stanza.
Wembanyama’s 41 points and 24 rebounds put him in elite company, joining Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to tally 40-plus points and 20-plus rebounds in their Conference finals debut.
He also recorded three blocks.
Spurs rookie guard Dylan Harper had 24 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and seven steals, and also made playoff history.
Harper, a Franklin Lakes, N.J. native, became the first rookie to notch 15-plus points, five-plus rebounds and five-plus steals in a playoff game since Magic Johnson in 1980.
Gilgeous-Alexander, meanwhile, had an off night and vowed he will be better after scoring 24 points on an inefficient 7-of-23 shooting performance, including 2-of-7 from 3.
Game 2 is Wednesday at Oklahoma City.
