The San Antonio Spurs won their first playoff game since 2019, and after his record-breaking game, Victor Wembanyama revealed how much help he gets from former players.
The San Antonio Spurs beat the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 1 of their first-round series on Sunday, winning 111-98. Vioctor Wembanytama led the way with 35 points, beating Tim Duncan's debut record of 32, set in 1998.
For the better part of two decades, Duncan was the steady hand that guided the Spurs. The team was ready to hand the torch to Kawhi Leonard, although the ugly breakup between team and superstar quickly plunged the Spurs into a rebuild. Now, build around Wembanyama, they are fully back in contention.
Legends like Duncan, Manu Ginobili, David Robinson, Sean Elliott, and Bruce Bowen have all remained in San Antonio after their playing days ended, and all of them were in attendance for Sunday's game, donning the teal, pink, and yellow Fiesta shirts given to fans.
Seeing the legends in the building gave Wembanyama a boost, and he made easy work of the Trail Blazers.
Wembanyama Reveals Key Spurs Element
In San Antonio, no one cares about individual records. It's all about winning and team success.
There aren't any egos, and the culture of support has been in place long before Wembanyama arrived...or was even born.
After the game, Wemby was asked if there was any weight or pressure added by playing in front of Duncan, Robinson, Ginobili, and Gregg Popovich. He was quick to point out that it's the opposite of pressure.
"I wouldn't say weight, no," he offered. "I would say it feels safe. It feels like if you trip, there are a lot of hands that are ready to catch you. So from day one, it's felt that way."
Popovich and his former players are all fixtures at the Spurs' training facility, always willing to offer advice or a shoulder to lean on. Wembanmyama has taken advantage of NBA legends at every chance he gets, training with Kevin Garnett and Hakeem Olajuwon, but the in-house support the Spurs have is second to none.
The Spurs' culture is based on family and the collective "we," and as the new-generation Spurs try to reach new highs, it's safe to say that the old guard will be the first ones to their feet, cheering them along.