Richard Jefferson gets honest about Thunder’s treatment of Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs now face elimination after dropping Game 5 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, Yahoo reports.

Oklahoma City rolled to a 127-114 win on May 26, grabbing a 3-2 series lead while frustrating Wembanyama throughout the night. The Spurs star finished with 20 points but shot just 4-for-15 from the field and missed all five of his three-point attempts.

Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins criticized Wembanyama’s approach after the game during ESPN’s “Get Up.”

“Wemby got punked last night,” Perkins said. “When he decides to be a big man first with guard skills, that’s when he dominates.”

Jefferson Points to Playoff Physicality

Former NBA veteran Richard Jefferson offered a different perspective while discussing the matchup on “Road Trippin’.”

“Wemby is getting the crap beat out of him,” Jefferson said. “That’s what it takes.”

Jefferson compared Wembanyama’s postseason experience to legends like Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal and Michael Jordan, all of whom dealt with intense physical defense during playoff runs.

Richard Jefferson on OKC playing physical with Wemby:

“Wemby is getting the crap beat out of him. That’s what it takes. Kobe Bryant gets the crap beat out of him, Shaquille O’Neal would get the crap beat out of him, like I’m saying. Thats a part of the formula in the postseason… pic.twitter.com/GFuTxWOGOQ

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) May 27, 2026

He specifically referenced Jordan’s battles with the Detroit Pistons in the late 1980s, noting that playoff basketball has historically demanded strength and resilience from superstar players.

Jefferson also made it clear he was not debating whether the style of play was fair.

“I’m not here to tell you it’s right or wrong,” Jefferson said. “I’m here to tell you the reality.”

Game 6 now shifts back to San Antonio, where Wembanyama and the Spurs must respond to keep their season alive.

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