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One night, one decision: Can Wembanyama’s aggression carry San Antonio in game 6?
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- One night, one decision: Can Wembanyama’s aggression carry San Antonio in game 6?
Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images
Oklahoma City finished with a 117-99 win, ending the series and sending them to the second round, where they'll face the Dallas Mavericks .
The loss puts San Antonio 's record at just 19-63 for the season, while Oklahoma City improved to 53-29.
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Wembanyama did manage to finish with a strong line, putting up 22 points, grabbing nine boards and adding three assists in his rookie season finale. He went 8-of-21 from the field and made just two of eight attempts from three.
Despite showing promise on both ends throughout his rookie year, it was clear by Game 5 that he needed more support.
The Thunder were able to crowd him inside without much risk because San Antonio shot just 37.1% from deep (14-of-38) and struggled to keep pace offensively all series.
Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images
Game 5 focused the conversation
Wembanyama wrapped up Game 5 with 20 points on just 4-of-15 shooting, and only eight of those came inside the paint. He didn't get his first shot up until over three minutes had passed, and struggled to get going as Oklahoma City pulled ahead for a 127-114 win to take a 3-2 series lead.
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Mitch Johnson was direct about what needed to change: "He has to take more than 15 shots." Stephon Castle echoed that thought in fewer words, pushing for a more assertive approach from his centre.e
Isaiah Hartenstein played a key role, holding Wembanyama to just 1-of-9 shooting as the primary defender in Game 5. The Thunder's approach, rotating Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso around the rim, also helped limit his impact.
Wembanyama was pushed into taking more jumpers and waiting for openings that never really came. With the season on the line, San Antonio needs him to attack more often instead of relying on what the defence gives up.
Wembanyama's impact mirrors series results
Across the Spurs' two wins, Wembanyama averaged 37 points and 16 rebounds while shooting over 53%, highlighted by a 41-point, 24-rebound effort in the double-overtime opener that drew comparisons to Wilt Chamberlain. In the three losses, those numbers dropped to just over 22 points per game on less than 44% shooting.
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The more assertive version of Wembanyama opens up opportunities for everyone else. His ability to pull defenders inside creates space for shooters, which is exactly what Castle wanted to see.
San Antonio has home-court advantage, no major injuries to worry about, and a recent blowout win that proved just how tough their defence can be when it needs to step up.
The Thunder, meanwhile, are defending champions with a 3-2 lead despite playing without Ajay Mitchell and possibly Jalen Williams , who's missed three games.
It all comes down to whether Wembanyama can put enough pressure on Oklahoma City inside. If he doesn't, the Thunder's route to closing out the series becomes much easier than the Spurs can handle.
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