Wemby Declines to Speak to Media After Spurs' Loss to Thunder in Game 5 of NBA Playoffs

Victor Wembanyama's uncharacteristic struggles were a major topic of conversation when the San Antonio Spurs spoke to the media following their 127-114 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals on Tuesday night.

Wembanyama finished with 20 points on just 4-of-15 shooting from the field and did not speak to reporters after the game. He did make all 12 of his free-throw attempts, but he also recorded just six rebounds to go along with three blocks, two steals and one assist.

Speaking to reporters after falling behind 3-2 in the series, Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson stressed the importance of getting more out of Wemby in Game 6 and a potential Game 7, saying, "He's got to take more than 15 shots. Even with the [12] free throws, he's going to have to score more than 20 points for sure."

Johnson also credited the Thunder with the manner in which they handled Wembanyama, saying, "OKC did a good job. We've got to do a better job. That's probably the easiest in terms of when you [look at] surface-level stuff that he'll definitely need to take more shots. But there's a lot of things all over the place. Even when we had advantages, we just didn't make simple plays and take advantage of the opportunity, that possession. In this type of game, you've got to be sure of everything you're doing in a very secure, mature way."

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The 7'4" Wembanyama has largely been a force during his first career playoff run, averaging 22.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.7 blocks, 2.8 assists and 1.5 three-pointers made per game, while shooting 51.5 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from beyond the arc.

It is no coincidence that Wemby's two best games of the WCF were the two games the Spurs won, as he dropped 41 points and 24 rebounds in Game 1, and 33 points and eight rebounds in Game 4.

Spurs guard Stephon Castle, who led the team with 24 points in Game 5, acknowledged the success the Thunder had against Wemby in Game 5, while also stressing the importance of Wembanyama remaining aggressive, saying, "I think they send so many bodies towards him, it's hard at times. I think he just wants to make the right play and wants to win. So, it's tough. But yeah, he's our best player. We need him to be aggressive. I feel like him being aggressive opens up shots for other guys."

The Spurs won four out of five games against the Thunder during the regular season, and Wemby's play was the biggest reason why.

However, the reigning NBA champions now have the Spurs on the brink of elimination, making Thursday's Game 6 in San Antonio a must-win situation for Wemby and the Spurs.

If the Wembanyama from Game 1 or Game 4 shows up in Game 6, then San Antonio stands a strong chance of forcing a Game 7, but if Game 5 Wemby becomes a trend, then the Thunder could be heading for a second straight NBA Finals appearance.