Magic Johnson saw exactly the kind of response he was looking for from Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4. After Wembanyama had openly admitted he needed to do more as a leader following earlier struggles in the series, the Spurs finally backed that up with a dominant 103-82 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Wembanyama led from the front with 33 points, but what stood out most to Johnson was not just the scoring. It was his leadership, communication, and the way San Antonio’s defense completely disrupted Oklahoma City to tie the series at 2-2.
Advertisement
After the game Johnson said,
“The San Antonio Spurs were outstanding on defense tonight, holding NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to 19 points in their victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Victor Wembanyama dominated the game with 33 points, but what really impressed me was his leadership and how he communicated with his teammates throughout the entire game. I also have to show some love and credit to Spurs’ Head Coach Mitch Johnson, who had a great game plan and made major adjustments from Game 3 to Game 4. The Series is now tied 2-2 and I can’t wait for Game 5 on Tuesday!”
Victor Wembanyama Leads From the Front in Game 4
San Antonio’s Game 4 response felt like a reset.
Advertisement
After looking out of sync in the previous two games, the Spurs played with far more purpose and control. They were sharper defensively, quicker to loose balls, and much better at making Oklahoma City work for everything. The Thunder never really got the game on their terms, and that was the biggest shift.
Victor Wembanyama looked like the player San Antonio needed him to be, not only as a scorer but as the tone-setter. He was more vocal, more forceful, and more involved in keeping his teammates organized. That was the kind of leadership he had spoken about needing to improve.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) high fives guard Stephon Castle (5). Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
His shot from near halfcourt before halftime became the highlight, but his mindset afterward said just as much. “I was thinking shoot to score,” Wembanyama said. “I wasn’t messing around at halftime.”
Advertisement
He also compared playoff adjustments to a strategy game, saying that once a series goes longer, both teams start to know each other “almost by heart.” That made San Antonio’s bounce-back even more important.
The Spurs did not just win Game 4. They showed they can adapt, stay composed, and drag Oklahoma City into an uncomfortable kind of game. Now the series heads back to the Thunder’s floor with real pressure on both sides.
Related: De’Aaron Fox Recalls Gregg Popovich’s Harsh Message Following Spurs’ Game 3 Loss
This story was originally published by Lindys Sports on May 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Lindys Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.