Victor Wembanyama
Generational big · WCF MVP
26.9 PPG · 12.1 RPG · 4.3 BPG
26 and 12 in Game 1 but a rough 6-of-21 shooting night. Still the defensive equalizer no one solved all postseason — San Antonio needs his shot to fall in Game 2.
All contenders
SAS
San Antonio
Spurs
Home court is suddenly in doubt. San Antonio led Game 1 by 14 before New York closed on an 11-0 run to take it 105-95 — Wembanyama had 26 and 12 but shot 6-of-21. The Spurs trail the Finals 0-1 and must win Game 2 on Friday to avoid heading to Madison Square Garden down two.
Title odds
43.8%
Moneyline
+120
Regular season
61-21
Last title
2014
Who decides it
The three names that have to play like themselves — and the x-factor who tips it either way.
Stephon Castle
Lead guard · Year 2
19.4 PPG · 6.8 APG
The decision-maker, and now the primary Brunson defender. The Spurs go as far as he goes when Wemby is doubled.
Dylan Harper
Wing scorer · rookie
15.2 PPG · 4.4 APG
The rookie nobody saw coming as a Finals contributor — 12 in the Game 7 clincher. Big nights when defenses lock in on Wemby.
The path to the trophy
What has to happen — and the one thing that could blow it all up.
The path
- 1Win Game 2 Friday — can't fall to 0-2 heading to the Garden
- 2Let Wemby be the tidal wave — bury New York's bigs in the paint
- 3Get more from the supporting cast; Wemby can't shoot 6-of-21 again
Biggest risk
The hole they're already in. Dropping Game 1 at home cost them home-court advantage — now the margin for error is gone against a red-hot, rested Knicks team.
Net rating in the playoffs
+9.6
Wembanyama — WCF MVP, the best player on the floor every night
Two of the next three at home to swing the series back
Champagnie, Castle & Harper give real scoring depth around Wemby