Victor Wembanyama, whose rapid rise from teen phenom to superstar has transformed the San Antonio Spurs into legitimate title contenders, is relishing his first shot at NBA playoff glory.

“This moment is what you work on all year, but also your whole career,” Wembanyama said as the Spurs looked forward to their Western Conference first-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers — the first playoff appearance in seven years for the franchise, which has won five NBA titles. 

Wembanyama, 22, has been the driving force of that resurgence, which saw the Spurs claim the second seed in the Western Conference behind the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.