The San Antonio Spurs are on the brink of a historic return to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2017, and they have their rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama to thank. In a dominant 126-97 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5, Wembanyama didn't just help his team take a commanding 3-2 series lead—he shattered an NBA Playoffs record previously held by Anthony Davis.

Playing with a chip on his shoulder after a controversial ejection in the previous game, Wembanyama was unstoppable. In just 33 minutes of action, he scored 27 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including a blistering 40% from three-point range. But it was his all-around dominance that truly stole the show. The 7-foot-4 phenom grabbed 17 rebounds, dished out five assists, and swatted away three shots, completely shutting down any hope of a Timberwolves comeback.

According to StatMuse, Wembanyama became the first player to record at least 25 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks in a playoff game since Anthony Davis achieved the feat with the Los Angeles Lakers. Davis went on to win the NBA championship that season, and if Wembanyama and head coach Mitch Johnson can maintain this level of synergy, the Spurs could be poised for a deep playoff run of their own.

With Game 6 on the horizon, the Spurs have a golden opportunity to close out the series and punch their ticket to the Western Conference Finals. But as Wembanyama proved tonight, they have the firepower—and the record-breaking talent—to make it happen.