Wemby’s Playoff Debut Shines, But Spurs Haven’t Proven Much

Wemby’s Playoff Debut Shines, But Spurs Haven’t Proven Much

Victor Wembanyama kicked off his NBA playoff career in spectacular fashion, dropping 35 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 111-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. The rookie sensation also showcased his defensive prowess, holding Portland scoreless on 11 attempts when he was the primary defender.

This win marked the Spurs’ first playoff victory in seven years, and Wembanyama’s performance set a new franchise record for most points in a postseason debut. He became the first player in playoff history to debut with 35 points and five three-pointers.

Following the game, Wembanyama described the atmosphere as different and the most exciting he’d seen the arena. “The first time I stepped on the court, even for warm-ups, I felt the atmosphere was different,” he said.

“Everybody’s ready. I mean, the fans were ready.” His historic debut has ignited discussions about the Spurs’ potential deep playoff run.

Wembanyama’s Talent is Undeniable

Brian Windhorst believes Wembanyama is ready for the big moments, recalling his fearless performance for France in a gold medal game at just 21 years old. “He was not afraid at all,” Windhorst stated, noting Wembanyama’s 26 points in that game. He highlighted Wembanyama’s quick start against the Blazers, scoring 12 points in the first quarter and 21 in the first half.

Windhorst even suggested Wembanyama didn’t play his absolute best, pointing to his five rebounds and one assist as areas for improvement. He sees a future filled with many big playoff games for the young star in San Antonio.

Skepticism About the Spurs’ Overall Readiness

Stephen A. Smith, however, urges caution, emphasizing that the focus should be on the Spurs as a team, not just Wembanyama’s individual brilliance. “The question was about the Spurs not about Wimby,” Smith argued.

He pointed out that the Blazers, despite Wembanyama’s heroics, are not a top-tier playoff team. Smith noted that Portland had the least potent offense among playoff teams and ranked 21st in offensive efficiency during the regular season. “The Portland Trailblazers collectively ain’t the greatest test in the world,” he concluded, advising to “pump the brakes just a touch.”

Smith also brought up the MVP-level play Wembanyama displayed late in the regular season, showing he was aiming for major accolades. “He raised everybody’s antenna and it raised everyone else’s fervor. That is what you want from a superstar,” Smith praised.

Yet, he remains unconvinced about the Spurs’ supporting cast, questioning if players like Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, and De’Aaron Fox have proven they can elevate the team. “The capability, sure, but did they prove it? Hell no,” he stated.

Detroit Pistons Face Uphill Battle in Playoffs

The discussion then shifted to the Eastern Conference, where the top-seeded Detroit Pistons suffered a surprising 112-101 loss to the Orlando Magic in Game 1. Cade Cunningham was a bright spot for Detroit, scoring 39 points, but he received little help. Tobias Harris added 17 points, but no other Pistons player reached double figures.

The Magic, on the other hand, displayed remarkable balance, with all five starters scoring 15 or more points. Orlando never trailed in the game, taking a commanding 1-0 series lead.

This loss extends the Pistons’ dismal home playoff losing streak to 11 games, their last home playoff win dating back to Game 4 of the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals. Stephen A. Smith expressed concern about Detroit’s offensive reliance on Cunningham.

“After Cade Cuttingham, who can you rely on to score the basketball? That’s a problem,” he said. He lamented the team’s inability to generate consistent offense and their lack of reliable secondary scoring options.

Windhorst agreed that the Pistons’ offensive struggles were alarming, especially their difficulty in making runs. He pointed out that Orlando consistently answered any baskets Detroit made. “You have five starters, all in double figures, okay?” he noted, highlighting the Magic’s balanced attack led by Paolo Banchero’s 23 points.

Smith also questioned the development of players like Jalen Duren, who had a quiet game against Wendell Carter Jr. “You cannot get roundly outplayed by Wendell Carter. You just can’t have it,” Smith stated, emphasizing the need for more consistent contributions from key players.

The Pistons’ lack of three-point shooting was also a major concern, as they ranked 28th in the league in made threes per game. This limited their margin for error, especially when their offense sputtered. “When their offense isn’t going, they can’t really get bailed out,” Windhorst explained.

He also noted the team’s lack of physicality in the paint, being outscored 54-34 by the Magic. “Where the hell was that Sunday afternoon? It was nowhere to be found,” Smith questioned, calling for a more aggressive approach in Game 2.

The Orlando Magic’s performance was particularly impressive given their recent struggles. After being blown out in Boston and Philadelphia, they responded with a strong showing to secure a playoff spot and then followed it up with a dominant road win. “Like I said, Bane didn’t have the best game, but still them being back healthy in that lineup matters for the Magic and obviously it paid off,” Windhorst commented on the impact of their returning players.

The Pistons now face an uphill battle to avoid going down 0-2 in the series, especially if they cannot establish their physicality and find more consistent offensive support for Cade Cunningham. Their next game is crucial to determine if they can live up to their No. 1 seed status or if their early playoff exit is already in the cards.

Source: Stephen A. doesn't think the Spurs have proven much despite Wemby's playoff debut 🤷‍♂️ | First Take (YouTube)