Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Keeps Quiet on Plans For Victor Wembanyama

Back-to-back NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was out-dueled by Victor Wembanyama in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

Wembanyama and the Spurs came into the Oklahoma City Thunder‘s home arena and notched a 122-115 double-overtime victory over the reigning NBA champions. The 7-foot-4 Frenchman had his fingerprints all over the game, delivering with a variety of highlight plays in key moments for his San Antonio squad.

Wembanyama finished the game with 41 points and 24 rebounds, a historic feat in his first conference finals appearance.

Like every game, Wembanyama affected countless shots at the rim. The unanimous Defensive Player of the Year recorded three blocks, including a game-sealing rejection on Jalen Williams.

Earlier in the second overtime period, Wembanyama also intimidated Gilgeous-Alexander on a short floater attempt - forcing a crucial miss from the superstar point guard. The San Antonio center snagged the rebound and laughed as SGA fouled him.

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Gilgeous-Alexander was asked if he learned anything about attacking Wembanyama as the Thunder prepare for Game 2.

“I probably wouldn’t want to say in public because I don’t want to give any answers away,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “But yeah, it’s obviously challenging. He’s very tall, very long and he deters a lot of things at the rim. You’ve got to be smart when you go in there.

“Be patient, but also be aggressive and don’t be too timid in there. I think you get caught worrying about it too much and you lose aggression, and that’s when they really get a stranglehold on the game. You’ve got to be able to be aggressive but also be smart.”

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Game 2 will tipoff at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

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This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 9:15 AM.