Victor Wembanyama showcased an extraordinary performance with 41 points and 24 rebounds, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a thrilling 122-115 victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the opening game of the Western Conference finals on Monday night.

Wembanyama sealed the game with two crucial dunks in the final minute, including a pivotal three-point play, allowing the Spurs to steal home-court advantage. This victory marked the Spurs' fifth win over the Thunder in their last six matchups this season.

Other notable contributions included:

• Dylan Harper: 24 points and a playoff-record seven steals
• Stephon Castle: 17 points
• Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson: 13 points each
• Julian Champagnie: 11 points

The Spurs played without De’Aaron Fox, who was sidelined due to ankle stiffness. Wembanyama became the youngest player in playoff history to achieve at least 40 points and 20 rebounds at 22 years and 134 days.

Post-game, Castle praised Wembanyama, calling him “the best player in the world.” When asked for his thoughts, Wembanyama humbly stated, “The world is eight billion people. That’s eight billion opinions.”

For the Thunder, Alex Caruso led with 31 points, while Jalen Williams returned from injury to contribute 26 points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, despite winning his second consecutive Most Valuable Player trophy, struggled with 24 points on 7 for 23 shooting.

The game was historic, marking only the sixth NBA playoff Game 1 to go into double overtime and the first since a Spurs-Warriors matchup in 2013. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson emphasized the mental toughness displayed by both teams, stating, “It was a war of wills.”

Wembanyama’s shooting stats included 14 for 25 from the field and 12 for 13 from the foul line, with a crucial three-pointer tying the game late in the first overtime. The Spurs dominated the boards, outrebounding the Thunder 61-40.

Game 2 is set for Wednesday in Oklahoma City.