Wembanyama's key to comeback against OKC: "I have to be a better team player"

Victor Wembanyama finished the third game of the Western Finals in the 2026 NBA Playoffs with 26 points, four rebounds, and two blocks. However, after San Antonio Spurs lost 123-108 against Oklahoma City Thunder, the Frenchman made it clear that he was not satisfied with his performance.

"I need to be more of a team player," Wembanyama admitted while analyzing the game. "I feel like right now I struggle to make my teammates better. I need to move the ball better, rebound more, and force the opposing defense to react to then find my open teammates."

Despite the defeat, the center continued to make history. He became the first Spurs player since Tim Duncan in 2007 to string together three consecutive playoff games with over 20 points and multiple blocks. However, it was also San Antonio's first loss in this postseason when Wembanyama scored over 25 points.

San Antonio started the game spectacularly, partly thanks to the return of De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper. Fox led an explosive start with an initial 15-0 run, bringing intensity from the first minute in front of a passionate crowd at the Frost Bank Center.

Nevertheless, Thunder quickly reacted and turned the game around to take a 2-1 lead in the series. "It's a very long game," Fox explained after the match. "You can't sustain that pace for 48 minutes. But when you see the lead disappear so quickly, it's frustrating."

Furthermore, the point guard aggravated his right ankle sprain that had already prevented him from playing in the first two games of the series.

Fewer Turnovers, Same Issues

One positive aspect for the Spurs was the improvement in ball control. After suffering significant turnover issues in the first two games, the return of Fox and Harper eased the pressure on Stephon Castle in playmaking.

Castle had accumulated 20 turnovers in the first two games, the worst figure recorded in a two-game playoff span since advanced tracking data exists. However, although San Antonio reduced those errors, they couldn't sustain the offensive tempo or contain Oklahoma City's response.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La clave de Wembanyama para remontar a OKC: "Tengo que ser mejor jugador de equipo"