ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst could not have put the current feeling in the league around San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama in a better way, as he went back in time to compare him by taking an example of a fellow named LeBron James.

According to Windhorst, just as Tim Duncan acknowledged James' greatness in 2007 after the Spurs beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder could also make a similar gesture to Wemby should they win Game 7 at home.

“This is reminiscent to me of LeBron James in 2007 going up against the Spurs. The Spurs beating him and Tim Duncan saying ‘this league is going to be yours someday.’ But happily taking his title." Windhorst said.

"I think the Thunder would happily take this victory but acknowledge that the Victor Wembanyama machine is now turning,” he added.

And Windhorst would not be wrong, as Wemby's trajectory is on a similar path to that of James.

In 2007, a 22-year-old LeBron James carried the Cavaliers to their first-ever NBA Finals appearance. He averaged 25.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.0 assists across 20 games.

An iconic Eastern Conference Finals performance highlighted it, as James and the Cavaliers overcame a 0-2 deficit against the Detroit Pistons. James scored 45 points and contributed all 25 final points in a 109-107 double-overtime victory in Game 5.

Similar to King James, a 22-year-old Victor Wembanyama is just one game away from eliminating the reigning champions, the Thunder, at their home to help the Spurs reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014.

The Frenchman has averaged 23.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists across 16 playoff games.

But now, the biggest test of his career has arrived, as Wembanyama is one step away from reaching the NBA Finals for the first time in his career.

Victor Wembanyama's Winner-Take-All Moment Has Arrived

This is the first time in Wemby's career that he will be in a win-or-go-home situation, and the scenario could not have been tougher. Against the reigning champions, away from home, and a trip to his first NBA Finals in line.

Familiarity breeds regularity, as the Spurs and the Thunder meet each other for the 12th time this season. Wembanyama has till now wreaked havoc for the Thunder, but the reigning champions have shown instances where they were able to control the 7'4" center.

But the Frenchman is not fazed; after a dominant Game 6 victory, Wemby believes in the team's consistency more than anything else.

“I think we were consistent,” Wembanyama said after the Spurs evened the Western Conference finals at three games apiece. “We did what we needed to do. Trusted the game. Trusted the basketball gods.”

Wembanyama is all set for a career-defining Game 7 performance, and all the pieces are laid out for him on a platter to make the event grander, should he propel the Spurs to the NBA Finals.

Game 7 starts on Saturday at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma.

So, do you think that Wembanyama and the Spurs will join the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy