Is Wembanyama replicating the 22-year-old Duncan script? Same average points, same Finals opponent: Can he win 4-1?

On June 2 Beijing time, the NBA Finals for the 2025-26 season will start in two days. ClutchPoints reports that Wembanyama is replicating Duncan's championship path.

In 1999, a 22-year-old Duncan entered the playoffs for the first time with no playoff experience, yet he led his team to the championship in his very first postseason: averaging 23.2 points, eliminating the Timberwolves, defeating his longtime rival Shaquille O'Neal, overcoming the Trail Blazers, and then taking down the Knicks in the Finals.

Fast forward to 2026, and the Spurs once again have a generational big man, also 22 years old and making his first playoff appearance. The story feels familiar: also averaging 23.2 points, taking down the Trail Blazers, Timberwolves, beating rival Chet Holmgren, and once again facing the Knicks in the Finals.

Even more intriguing: when the two teams met in the 1999 Finals, Jalen Brunson's father, Rick Brunson, was a member of the Knicks. Twenty-seven years later, Jalen, wearing the Knicks jersey, faces the Spurs again.

People often say history does not simply repeat itself, but this playoff script is strikingly similar. Can the final outcome mirror that year? Back then, the Spurs beat the Knicks 4-1 in the series to win the title. Can Wembanyama now lead the Spurs to lift the championship trophy with the same score? At least, the current championship odds and most experts favor the Spurs to come out on top.

Who do you think will be the final champion? Can Wembanyama replicate Duncan's script from back then?