Victor Wembanyama’s off-game was the talking point after the Thunder’s 127-114 win in a vital Game 5 of the Conference Finals on Tuesday.
The San Antonio Spurs struggled on both ends of the floor and were called out by the NBA circuit for their lack of contributions. The win now puts the Thunder up 3-2, with an opportunity to close out the series when the two meet again.
How the NBA World Reacted to Victor Wembanyama’s Game 5 Struggles
While Wembanyama scored 20 points, the double-digit numbers came on the back of 4-of-15 shooting from the field. He was 0-of-5 from the 3-point line and recorded 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks.
Analyst Kevin O’Connor called out the Spurs star’s forgettable outing, writing, “Victor Wembanyama: 4/15 with 6 boards. Looked totally overmatched physically by Isaiah Hartenstein. Jaylin Williams also did a great job on him. This can’t happen in a must-win Game 5. Straight-up needs to be better for the Spurs to obviously have any chance.”
Victor Wembanyama: 4/15 with 6 boards. Looked totally overmatched physically by Isaiah Hartenstein. Jaylin Williams also did a great job on him. This can’t happen in a must-win Game 5. Straight-up needs to be better for the Spurs to obviously have any chance.
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) May 27, 2026
Hoops handle Underdog noted that Wembanyama had fewer than 10 rebounds in three straight games.
Victor Wembanyama tonight
20 PTS (4/15 FG, 0/5 3FG)
6 REB
1 AST
2 STL / 3 BLK3 straight games with under 10 rebounds pic.twitter.com/mtBypmdV1U
— Underdog (@Underdog) May 27, 2026
One content creator posted a clip of Wembanyama struggling during the game, writing, “Victor Wembanyama pretending he’s injured because Chet Holmgren locked him up.”
Victor Wembanyama pretending he’s injured because Chet Holmgren locked him up 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/H0UVs0P1Xy
— HeroOfTheDay (@Hero_OfThe_Day) May 21, 2026
This was seconded by Thunder content creator Skyed: “Victor Wembanyama has 8 points if you take away his free throws.”
Victor Wembanyama has 8 points if you take away his free throws.
— 𝙎𝙠𝙮𝙚𝙙 🇦🇺 (@SkyedOKC) May 27, 2026
“This is an absolutely pathetic effort from Wemby,” posted analyst Tyler Glasscock.
This is an absolutely pathetic effort from Wemby
— Tyler Glasscock (@TylerGlasscock_) May 27, 2026
Besides Wemby, mercurial guard De’Aaron Fox also had a dismal showing with just 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Stephon Castle led the Spurs with a team-high 24 points, along with 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals. Julian Champagnie added 22 points and 8 rebounds.
The Thunder, meanwhile, bounced back from their Game 4 loss in emphatic fashion, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 32 points and 9 assists.
Alex Caruso, who went scoreless in Game 4, came off the bench with 22 points. Jared McCain and Chet Holmgren added 20 and 16 points, respectively.
After trading baskets for most of the game, the Thunder went on a 24-14 run to close the half. Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring further propelled them to a 20-point lead in the third quarter.
With the win, the Thunder just need one more victory to book an NBA Finals berth for the second straight season.
If OKC advances, they will meet a red-hot New York Knicks side in the NBA Finals. Game 6 moves to San Antonio on Thursday, where the Spurs will hope to force a Game 7.
