Oklahoma City, OK – San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama delivered a clutch 27-foot three-pointer to tie Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first overtime period on May 19, 2026, a shot that eerily mirrored Stephen Curry's iconic "Double Bang" from a decade prior in the same arena. The Spurs ultimately secured a thrilling 122-115 double-overtime victory, with Wembanyama posting a historic performance. Bleacher Report captured the sentiment, tweeting, "STILL NOT OVER THIS SHOT 😭 WHO WAS WEMBY FEELING LIKE??"
Wembanyama's pivotal shot, fired with 31 seconds remaining and the Spurs trailing 108-105, forced a second overtime in what became an instant classic. The 7-foot-4 center's composure under pressure silenced the home crowd at Paycom Center, shifting momentum decisively in San Antonio's favor. This critical moment came amidst a back-and-forth battle that saw multiple lead changes and ties.
The French superstar finished the game with an astounding 41 points and 24 rebounds, along with 3 blocks, setting new playoff career highs. His performance marked him as the youngest player in NBA history to record 40+ points and 20+ rebounds in a postseason game, joining Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to achieve this feat in a Conference Finals debut. Wembanyama's dominance extended across both ends of the court, impacting the game offensively and defensively.
The shot's resemblance to Curry's 2016 game-winner against the Thunder added another layer of historical significance to Wembanyama's heroics. While Curry's shot was from a slightly deeper 38 feet and in a regular-season context, Wembanyama's game-tying effort in a high-stakes playoff game resonated strongly with fans and analysts alike. The Spurs' victory in Game 1 gives them a crucial early advantage in the series.
