Why Victor Wembanyama took Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and OKC personally in Game 1

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Just hours after Shai Gilgeous Alexander won his second straight NBA MVP, fellow finalist Victor Wembanyama delivered a spectacular performance in Game 1 of Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center.

The San Antonio Spurs star was really looking to double up by winning Defensive Player of the Year and MVP in the same season. However, voters found SGA more eligible. But it didn't took long for Wembanyama to show levels.

The Spurs forward contributed heavily in the dramatic Game 1 122-115 OT win. The former Rookie of the Year finished with 41 points in 49 minutes on 14 of 25 shooting, including 1 of 2 from the 3-point line. He also had 24 boards and three blocks.

On the other hand, SGA finished with 24 points on terrible 7 of 23 shooting. While he had 12 assists and five steals, he was the worst in terms of (+/-) rating with -15.

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Victor Wembanyama admits MVP snub was personal

Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Victor Wembanyama and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic were in the race for this season's MVP. SGA came out on the top with 939 points, followed by Jokic's 634 and Wemby's 589 points. Luka Doncic finished at fourth position with 250 points.

Wembanyama used the MVP as extra motivation to deliver a scintillating victory for the Spurs in the absence of De'Aaron Fox.

In the post-game press conference, Wembanyama was asked if missing out on winning MVP made the Game 1 against SGA personal. Without adding much, the Spurs star confirmed the personal feeling by saying:

"Yeah, for sure, everything you just said."

The series is still young and SGA will likely only come back stronger in Game 2.