Kendrick Perkins accused Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama of being ‘punked’ by Thunder

The San Antonio Spurs are suddenly facing immense pressure after a crushing 127-114 Game 5 defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder. It shifted the Western Conference Finals firmly in OKC’s favor. ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins watsed no time delivering a brutally direct assessment of Victor Wembanyama’s performance.

“I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but Wemby got punked tonight,” Perkins said during ESPN’s postgame coverage. “Isaiah Hartenstein outplayed him on both ends of the floor.”

Perkins’ criticism centered heavily on the interior battle between Wembanyama and Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein. Sure, Wembanyama still managed 20 points thanks largely to a flawless 12-for-12 night at the free-throw line. However, his overall efficiency cratered under Oklahoma City’s collapsing defensive pressure.

“I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but Wemby got punked tonight. Isaiah Hartenstein outplayed him on both ends of the floor.”@KendrickPerkins on Victor Wembanyama’s struggles in Game 5. pic.twitter.com/2V7XclcF5v

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 27, 2026

The Spurs star finished just 4-of-15 from the floor. He missed all five of his attempts from beyond the arc while struggling to establish deep position inside the paint. Meanwhile, Hartenstein dominated the glass with a massive 15-rebound effort. He also helped the Thunder secure a lopsided 58-41 rebounding advantage that dictated the game’s physical tone.

Despite the difficult Game 5 showing, Wembanyama’s overall 2025-26 season remains historic. The Spurs superstar averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.1 blocks. He earned All-NBA First Team honors and became the first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year winner in league history. Now, facing elimination at Frost Bank Center in Game 6, San Antonio’s championship hopes rest squarely on Wembanyama answering Perkins’ challenge with a dominant response.

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