San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama shoots against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals Monday in Oklahoma City. Photo by Gerald Leong/EPA
May 19 (UPI) -- Victor Wembanyama said losing out on MVP honors fueled his performance in the San Antonio Spurs' win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
The Spurs center reeled off 41 points, 24 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and a steal in the 122-115 double overtime victory Monday in Oklahoma City. He personally outscored the Thunder 9-7 in the second overtime.
"It feels like I've still got a lot to learn," Wembanyama told reporters, when asked about finishing third for MVP honors. "I want to get that trophy many times in my career."
Wembanyama made 14 of 25 shots. His lone 3-pointer came with 27 seconds remaining in the first overtime. The 28-footer tied the score at 108-108, triggering a second bonus period. Wembanyama also was a force on the glass, pulling down nine offensive rebounds.
