The outcome of an NBA playoff series often comes down to an X-factor. The basketball world is wondering if Victor Wembanyama can show that unstoppable version of himself one more time. 

Drawing comparisons with Shaquille O'Neal, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry, the former NBA forward Richard Jefferson believes Wembanyama's peak performance makes opposing defenses completely helpless.

“He’s a Shaq, he’s a Bron, he’s a Steph from three when he gets going, we’re all watching. I’m as helpless sitting on my couch as the defenders on the court, you know what I’m saying?" Jefferson said in the Road Trippin' Show.

"So if Wemby gives you one of those, I think the Spurs win. I don’t see the scenario again, there is always scenario when Wemby goes 18,12, and 5 blocks and Spurs win.”

Jefferson explained that when Wembanyama hits his peak, the entire game changes. He noted that if the center delivers more than 30 points and 12 rebounds, the Thunder will not have an answer. 

Jefferson used the nickname "the human elastic man" to describe how Wembanyama alters the court, stating that he is the only person on Earth who can make opposing defenses completely helpless. 

The comparison to Shaquille O'Neal comes down to interior dominance. Standing 7-foot-4 with an excellent wingspan, Wembanyama alters the game inside the paint just by standing there. 

During this postseason, he has averaged 28.2 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game. Opposing teams cannot score around the rim when he is locked in. 

The LeBron James comparison is visible in how Wembanyama carries a youth-dependent roster. Under head coach Mitch Johnson, the Spurs rely on their young star to lead the way. 

Coming to the Stephen Curry comparison. His 44.4% shooting from deep in Game 6 showed that he possesses perimeter gravity. His teammate De'Aaron Fox noted that Wemby demands the kind of defensive attention reserved for Curry. 

Is Victor Wembanyama Completely Ready for the Final Test?

The series is tied 3-3 following a victory by San Antonio. He also noted that, while Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander offers night-to-night consistency, Jefferson argued that Wembanyama has a game-breaking factor that can make any game plan feel useless. 

Wembanyama dominated the floor in Game 6. He bagged 28 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks, and two steals in just 28 minutes of action. He shot 47.6% from the field and hit 4-of-9 shots from beyond the arc. 

Wembanyama also became the first Spurs player with at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, multiple steals, and multiple blocks in an elimination game.

The real test comes on May 30, 2026, as the series moves back to Oklahoma City for Game 7. 

With a trip to the NBA Finals on the line, everyone is waiting to see if the young star will deliver another historic performance. The winner will advance to the NBA Finals.

Drop your predictions in the comments below on who takes this historic Game 7. Read more at Air Jordan Chronicles! 

Written by

Utsav Sinha

Edited by

Koushik Biswas