Victor Wembanyama’s brilliant performance in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals reminded netizens of his early training in the Shaolin Temple of China, where his master said that kung fu gave the player not special basketball skills, but a philosophical system based on focus and balance.
On Tuesday, the San Antonio Spurs were expected to receive a tough lesson from the Oklahoma City Thunder in the finals, but after Game 1, the public discussion turned to one question: What kind of animal is “Wemby”?
Leading the Spurs to a road victory over the Thunder, the 22-year-old made his Western Conference Finals debut, playing all 48 minutes and 42 seconds and recording 41 points, 24 rebounds, three blocks and three assists.
He shot 14-of-25 from the field and 12-of-13 from the free throw line, finishing with a +16 plus-minus rating.
In most of double overtime, he forced a Stephen Curry-style three-pointer, eventually leading his team to victory through complete dominance on both ends of the floor.
“He actually learned something at the Shaolin Temple,” the Chinese fan joked.
