Wembanyama Off Bench Asks About MVP After Spurs Win

Merlin sees Victor Wembanyama return from a month long left calf strain and come off the bench to score 22 points in 21 minutes as the Spurs beat the 24 2 Oklahoma City Thunder 111 109 in the NBA Cup semifinals. He even smiled and asked reporters, "Can you win the MVP and the Sixth Man [of the Year award] in the same year?" The moment matters because the Spurs are 18 7 and his elite per game numbers 25.8 points 12.6 rebounds 3.8 assists and 3.5 blocks keep them moving past last season's struggles. Merlin senses this bench cameo is a prescription more than a role change. It is a controlled step in easing him back, a reminder that health will decide how high his ceiling climbs. The Spurs now head to Las Vegas to face the Knicks and the league will be watching how San Antonio balances minutes and momentum.