Victor Wembanyama (Image Via Getty)The San Antonio Spurs are facing a must-win situation heading into Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals, and all eyes are on Victor Wembanyama. After taking this heartbreaking 107-106 loss in Game 4, the Spurs now sit behind the New York Knicks 3-1 in the series. The whole thing felt a bit worse because San Antonio basically let go of a 29-point advantage , and the Knicks then pulled off what’s being called the biggest turnaround in NBA Finals history. Still, there’s a silver lining here for Spurs fans. Victor Wembanyama is expected to suit up for Game 5 on June 14, and as of now, no injury concerns have been reported going into that huge matchup.Victor Wembanyama’s recent NBA Finals performancesCategoryStatNBA Finals StatusActiveInjury StatusFully HealthySeries SituationSpurs trail 3-1Previous Major InjuryLeft Knee Hyperextension (December 2025)Current AvailabilityExpected to Play Game 5Defensive HonorsReigning NBA Defensive Player of the YearWhy Victor Wembanyama is so important for the SpursWembanyama has been like, the focal point of San Antonio success for most of the season. This 7-foot-4 superstar really changes the feel of a game in more than one way, from scoring to grabbing boards, to guarding the basket, even creating annoying problems for opposing offenses. His defensive presence is especially valuable going up against a Knicks side that’s been gaining confidence after that historic comeback. As the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Wembanyama can swing games around with his shot blocking and also with his ability to defend several positions.The good news for San Antonio is that health is not an issue. While he suffered a left knee hyperextension in December 2025, he fully recovered and entered the NBA Finals without restrictions. The Spurs have not listed him on any injury report, making him one of the team’s biggest weapons heading into Game 5.Beyond his physical tools, Wembanyama has also emerged as the emotional leader of the franchise. Following the devastating Game 4 defeat, he remained confident that the Spurs could still turn the series around despite facing a 3-1 deficit.Why Knicks vs. Spurs Game 5 matters so muchGame 5 might end up deciding the whole direction of the NBA Finals like, immediately. For the Knicks, if they win, it would lock in the championship and it finishes one of the most memorable postseason journeys in franchise history.For the Spurs, it is a chance to extend the series and keep their title hopes alive. Teams rarely recover from a 3-1 deficit in the Finals, which makes every possession even more important.That is why Wembanyama’s availability matters so much. San Antonio needs its franchise star at his best after the Game 4 collapse. If he can dominate defensively and provide leadership under pressure, the Spurs will have a chance to force a Game 6 and continue their fight for the NBA championship.