Wembanyama ties Malone for most 30-point playoff games before age 22
The French phenom of San Antonio delivered another high-scoring performance, matching a historic achievement by Karl Malone. His 33 points in Game 4 of the series against Oklahoma City were complemented by 8 rebounds and 3 blocks.
Victor Wembanyama matched Karl Malone's historic playoff feat
Date: May 24-26, 2026
Tournament: NBA Playoffs, Western Conference Finals (Semifinals)
Event: Game 4 of the series San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder — 103:82
Main Event
On the night of May 25, 2026, the court at the AT&T Center in San Antonio hosted another basketball showcase featuring the NBA's biggest phenomenon. Victor Wembanyama, the 22-year-old Spurs center, put up outstanding numbers in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinal series against the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, etching his name into league history.
The French giant scored 33 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, dished 5 assists, recorded 2 steals, and added 3 blocks in just 31 minutes on the floor. This performance not only helped San Antonio rout the champions 103-82 to even the series at 2-2, but also allowed Wembanyama to match the historic achievement of legendary Karl Malone.
The 22-year-old Frenchman tied "The Mailman" for the most playoff games with 30+ points before turning 22 — both now have two such performances in the conference finals. Given that Wembanyama turned 22 on May 26 (he was born January 4, 2004), he has every chance to surpass this milestone in the current playoffs.
Details and Statistics
The game against Oklahoma City was special for Wembanyama in several ways. His 33 points were a team high — the next closest scorers, Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell, each had 13 points. De'Aaron Fox recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, adding 5 assists.
But the main highlight: Wembanyama joined an elite club in NBA history. He became only the third player in league history (and the first in San Antonio history) to record at least 30 points, 5 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks, and make at least three three-pointers in a single playoff game. Previously, only LeBron James and Kevin Durant had achieved such a stat line.
Additionally, Wembanyama scored 30+ points and recorded 3+ blocks in a conference finals game for the second time in his career, tying Shaquille O'Neal's feat. Considering that San Antonio did not advance this far last season, this is a serious statement for the future.
As a bonus, the Frenchman added a highlight-reel moment that went viral on social media: at the end of the second quarter, Wembanyama sank a three-pointer from half court. It was the longest made basket of his NBA career.
Context and Significance
For Wembanyama, this is only his second playoff run. In his rookie season (2023/24), the Spurs were eliminated in the first round by the Denver Nuggets. Now, the 22-year-old center has not only reached the conference semifinals but is also putting up MVP-caliber numbers.
Karl Malone's achievement, which Wembanyama matched, is especially valuable given the context: Malone, at age 22, played for the Utah Jazz and was considered one of the most dominant big men in history, winning two regular-season MVPs. That Wembanyama is already on par with a legend at such a young age speaks to his uniqueness.
For San Antonio, this success is not just a statistical curiosity but a real opportunity to advance further. After losing Game 1 (86-104) and Game 3 (108-123), the Spurs managed not only to even the series but also to shift the psychological momentum. Wembanyama is emerging as the leader around whom a championship team can be built.
It's also worth noting the injury context for the opponent. Oklahoma City entered Game 4 without two key rotation players — Ajay Mitchell (calf strain) and Jalen Williams (hamstring injury). This season, the Thunder have an 11-10 record in games where both players are absent. In the playoffs, this happened for the first time, and the result was disastrous — 82 points, a season low for Oklahoma City.
What's Next / Next Game Preview
Game 5 of the series will take place on the night of May 26-27, 2026 (Moscow time: May 27 at 03:30 AM) at the Oklahoma City Thunder's home court. The series is tied 2-2, so the battle now becomes a "short" three-game series.
For Oklahoma City, this is a chance to seize the initiative on their home floor. For San Antonio, it's an opportunity to steal a road win and take the series lead.
Editorial Prediction
Game 5 will be a turning point in this matchup. Oklahoma City at home is traditionally a dangerous opponent, especially after a humiliating blowout. Expect regular-season MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (who scored only 19 points in Game 4) to take over the game and attack the rim more aggressively. However, the main intrigue is whether injured Williams and Mitchell will recover in time. If they play, the Thunder's chances of winning increase significantly.
Wembanyama, on the other hand, is in fantastic form, and his confidence after a historic game is sky-high. The editorial team believes San Antonio can compete and even win on the road, but Oklahoma City remains the favorite: defending champions, home court, and a desire for revenge. The key will be the first quarter — if the Spurs again impose their slow, positional basketball, they will take the win. If the Thunder speed up the pace and force Wembanyama to move off the ball, the advantage will go to the hosts.
— Editorial Team
