What’s the playoffs record for most blocks? Victor Wembanyama makes history in Game 1 vs. Timberwolves originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The NBA has been blessed with plenty of talented defenders throughout its history, but Victor Wembanyama has already proven that he could go down as the greatest shot-blocker of all time.
After becoming the first ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year during the regular season, Wemby was on fire in Game 1 of the San Antonio Spurs‘ series against the Portland Trail Blazers.
In fact, with seven blocks, the Spurs star came close to a single-game record in the first half alone.
What’s the playoffs record for most blocks in a game?
Wembanyama finished with 12 blocks in San Antonio’s Game 1 loss to Minnesota, setting a new playoffs record for blocks in a game.
The previous record was 10 blocks, held by Andrew Bynum, Hakeem Olajuwon and Mark Eaton. The next most was nine blocks, a mark shared by a number of players, including Robert Williams, Tim Duncan and Manute Bol.
An important note: Wilt Chamberlain once blocked 16 shots in a playoff game, but totals before 1973-74 were tracked by teams and are therefore unofficial, per Basketball Reference.
| Rank | Player | Blocks |
| 1. | Victor Wembanyama (2026) | 12 |
| 2. | Andrew Bynum (2012) | 10 |
| Hakeem Olajuwon (1990) | 10 | |
| Mark Eaton (1985) | 10 | |
| 3. | Robert Williams (2021) | 9 |
| Roy Hibbert (2012) | 9 | |
| Serge Ibaka (2011) | 9 | |
| Dwight Howard (2010) | 9 | |
| Dwight Howard (2009) | 9 | |
| Tim Duncan (2007) | 9 | |
| Alonzo Mourning (2000) | 9 | |
| Greg Ostertag (1997) | 9 | |
| Derrick Coleman (1993) | 9 | |
| Hakeem Olajuwon (1993) | 9 | |
| Manute Bol (1986) | 9 |
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Ever since he became the top prospect ahead of the 2023 NBA Draft, Wembanyama has always been known as a shot-blocking extraordinaire. He combines his unreal 7-5 frame with elite defensive instincts and natural talent.
Teams are afraid to enter the paint because they know Wembanyama will most likely block their shots. Many have dared to attack the Spurs’ paint, but Wemby continues to prove he is the league’s best defender.
Against the Timberwolves in Game 1 of their Western Conference Semifinals series, Wembanyama was the standout defender once again. He has always been elite since entering the NBA, but blocking seven shots in one half and finishing with 12 is absurd.
Wembanyama is still only in his third season and first-ever postseason run. The future is bright for the Frenchman.
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