Victor Wembanyama has confirmed time and time once more that his basketball potential is aware of no bounds, and but among the issues he does nonetheless go away us with our jaws on the ground. That was the case on Friday evening, when the 7-foot-4 rookie put up an ungodly stat line of 40 factors, 20 rebounds and 7 assists within the San Antonio Spurs‘ 130-126 additional time win over the New York Knicks. The purpose complete was a career-high for final June’s No. 1 total choose.
Wembanyama went 13-for-22 from the sphere, together with 4-of-9 from 3-point vary and 10-for-12 from the free throw line as he led the Spurs to victory in entrance of his dwelling followers. He turned the primary rookie to place up 40 factors and 20 rebounds in a sport since Shaquille O’Neal over 30 years in the past, and the primary participant in Spurs historical past to log a 40-point, 20-rebound, five-assist sport.
“These efforts, these outcomes, we would not have gotten them initially of the yr,” Wembanyama mentioned as he addressed the Frost Financial institution Heart crowd after the sport. “Seventy video games into the season, I nonetheless see this place packed each evening. Love you guys. Love the help. Go Spurs go!”
These weren’t empty energy stats, both, as Wembanyama went toe-to-toe with Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, who scored a career-high 61 factors — one off Carmelo Anthony’s franchise report of 62. The Spurs rookie got here up with clutch play after clutch play, none greater than this dagger 3-pointer to place his workforce forward for good with simply over a minute left in additional time.
The Spurs started the season on tempo to change into one of many worst groups of all time, lowlighted by a stretch of 18 straight losses. They’ve turned issues round of late, nonetheless, successful seven of their final 15 video games. Wembanyama has been important to their enchancment, as he is change into the clear Rookie of the 12 months favourite. He is shot poorly not too long ago, however over a 25-game stretch from January to March, Wembanyama averaged 23 factors, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks on 49/39/81 taking pictures splits. It is notable that 4 of the 5 highest-scoring video games of his profession have resulted in wins.
The best way that the Spurs have closed the season raises questions on how they will function with their cap area this summer season. The preliminary plan appeared to be to carry Wembanyama alongside slowly, however the 20-year-old phenom may enter subsequent season with the potential to be one of the best participant on a championship workforce. If he is been capable of string collectively a handful of wins with the roster round him proper now, think about what he may do with some confirmed veterans at his facet. It’s going to definitely be one thing to watch this summer season when free company begins.
“I’ve simply witnessed a lot greatness, and I need to be part of it,” Wembanyama mentioned. “I at all times needed to, however an increasing number of, I am seeing that I am already capable of compete with these guys. I am not there, however I am on the correct path. I do know it, and I am gonna get there someday quickly.”