Dirk Nowitzki Says Wembanyama Has 'Otherworldly Ability' After Historic Spurs Win

Nowitzki says ‘Wemby is changing the game’ after historic playoff debut

Nowitzki says he can learn from Wembanyama after 35-point playoff debut. Spurs beat Blazers in round one, eye Thunder matchup. 

 Wembanyama scored franchise-record 35 in playoff debut. Nowitzki calls ability “otherworldly,” says Spurs can reach West Finals...

German basketball legend Dirk Nowitzki said Victor Wembanyama, who won his playoff debut on Sunday, is “changing the game as we speak.”

Speaking on Monday before his FIBA Hall of Fame induction, Nowitzki said he’s stunned by the impact the 22-year-old French star is having on the game.

“I mean, he's changing the game as we speak. I've never seen anything like it,” the 2007 NBA MVP said.

“His defense is so good that he changes the game just by being on the court and taking away some of the layups and twos that other teams would usually take.”

 

Wembanyama put up 35 points - the most in a playoff debut in franchise history - along with five rebounds and two blocks as his San Antonio Spurs beat the Portland Trail Blazers in round one of the playoffs.

In just his third NBA season, the forward/centre is already in the running for MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.

 

The 2011 NBA champion said Wembanyama has the otherworldly ability to help the young Spurs overcome their inexperience.

“They're definitely ready. They're definitely there. Of course, the one question about the Spurs is 'are they experienced enough?'”

WEMBY’S PLAYOFF DEBUT WAS HISTORIC 👽

35 PTS
5 THREES
2 BLK
GAME 1 WIN

He sets the Spurs franchise record for MOST PTS in a playoff debut AND becomes the ONLY player in NBA history with at least 35 PTS & 5 3PM in a playoff debut! pic.twitter.com/uHBFmQyN6k

— NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2026

“But I think Wemby is kind of that x-factor that takes that away. He levels that whole experience thing out.”

 

Nowitzki, 47, said the Spurs could get past defending champions Oklahoma City and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

If the Spurs get past Portland and then either the Denver Nuggets or Minnesota Timberwolves in the next round, they’re set to face the Thunder in the Western Conference Finals.

But the 2025-2026 Defensive Player of the Year - the first unanimous winner and youngest ever - could be the one to make it happen.

“They'll definitely think that they can. They're a tough matchup for OKC.

“We've seen that. They beat them, like, three times around Christmas.

Victor Wembanyama, the 2025-26 @Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year 🏆

He's the first unanimous winner and the youngest winner since the award's inception in 1982-83! https://t.co/eCXMtuPneG pic.twitter.com/3JoZWOTeMQ

— NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2026

“They have all the guards and can attack them. So I don't know if it's a year or two too early. We shall see.

“It's going to be a fun playoff run. So they're definitely knocking on the door.”

A skilled European big who could shoot, Nowitzki paved the way for players like Wembanyama, but said he still has plenty to learn from the young Frenchman.