In his highest scoring output of his short NBA career, Victor Wembanyama led the San Antonio Spurs to a resounding 132-121 victory against the Phoenix Suns. Wembanyama’s 38-point spree was a career high, his game high point total coupled with his height, versatility, and skill set on the court, showcased everything about Wembanyama that is special.
The 19-year-old sensation’s skills were evident all night, especially in the crucial final moments of the game. He scored 10 points in a 12-0 fourth-quarter San Antonio flurry that opened up the game after the Suns clawed their way back behind Devin Booker’s near triple-double of 31 points, 13 assists and 9 rebounds.
Coach Gregg Popovich praised Wembanyama’s confidence, emphasizing his ability to both score and pass the ball. “He’s a multifaceted player and he’ll pass it to the open guy. But he’s got confidence in himself and he made some plays that were unbelievable,” said Popovich. “That combination is pretty good, if you have that skill and you’re still willing to pass.”
Suns All-Star Booker told the media that Wembanyama was “an unbelievable talent… everybody knows that. Just trying to figure out what he is, because we’ve never seen him before.”
This victory not only highlighted Wembanyama’s talent but also marked a early turning point for the Spurs, now standing at 3-2 in the early season. After a lackluster record in the 2022-23 season, the Spurs have found renewed vigor with their rookie sensation. Despite his age and experience, Wembanyama never seems to get rattled and always seems to make the right play, according to the betting offers comparison site.
If you’re still doubting Wembanyama, consider this: it’s worth mentioning that Wembanyama’s career high 38 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks on the score sheet put him in the company of legends; joining Kevin Durant and LeBron James as the only teenagers to record at last 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks in a game.
Since blocks were tracked in 1973-74, only 3 teenagers have recorded 35+ PTS, 10+ REB, and 2+ BLK in a game.
LeBron James (38/10/3 – 2004)
Kevin Durant (42/13/2 – 2008)
Victor Wembanyama (38/10/2 – 2023) pic.twitter.com/eObv6dgglM— NBA History (@NBAHistory) November 3, 2023
His point total in his fifth game made him one of two rookies in San Antonio history, alongside Spurs legend David Robinson, to score 100 or more points in their first five career games.
It’s reeeeeeally early but Wembanyama’s impact stretches beyond the court to the hopes of the entire franchise and rekindling some optimism of the Spurs faithful. And as the Spurs prepare to face the Toronto Raptors, followed by a challenging road trip, including Wembanyama’s debut at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks, the San Antonio Spurs are now a must-see, League Pass-worthy team. And that’s thanks to Victor Wembanyama.
