Sports

Victor Wembanyama Joins Kobe Bryant, LeBron James in Elite NBA Finals Company

Victor Wembanyama led the San Antonio Spurs to the 2026 NBA Finals with some historic production in his debut playoff campaign.

The 22-year-old Frenchman is the unquestioned leader of this year’s champion-hopeful Spurs, leading the team in both points and rebounds heading into their NBA Finals matchup against the New York Knicks.

Through his first 17 playoff games, Wembanyama averaged 23.2 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game. These numbers are enough to place him among some all-time NBA greats in league history.

“KOBE. LEBRON. WEMBY. Victor Wembanyama joins Kobe Bryant in 2001 and LeBron James in 2007 as the only players this century to lead their team in scoring entering the Finals at 22 or younger,” the NBA wrote on social media in preparation for Wednesday night’s NBA Finals Game 1.

More Basketball:Victor Wembanyama Reflects on Carrying Spurs Legacy Into NBA Finals

Wembanyama led the Spurs to victory over the reigning NBA-champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, earning unanimous MVP honors for the series. Now, he’ll look to continue his elite production into San Antonio’s NBA Finals matchup against Jalen Brunson and the Knicks.

More Basketball:Devin Vassell Reveals Extra Motivation for Spurs Entering NBA Finals

“It’s a great team of experienced guys who are not here by chance, but by relentless effort over the years,” Wembanyama said of the Knicks. “They’re right where they are supposed to be, in my opinion. All of them are going to be super hungry in their own way.”

Game 1 will tipoff at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published June 3, 2026 at 9:18 AM.

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