In a stunning turn of events, Victor Wembanyama, the French rookie, left the U.S. basketball community in awe with an extraordinary triple-double during San Antonio's commanding 122-99 victory over Toronto. His exceptional performance, featuring 27 points, 14 rebounds, and an astounding 10 blocks, showcased the immense talent that has been evident throughout the season.
This achievement places him in the company of legendary centers, as only Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson have accomplished the feat of scoring 25 or more points alongside at least 10 rebounds, 10 blocks, and 5 assists in the last four decades. Wembanyama is now the fifth player in NBA history to achieve this milestone, joining the elite ranks of Abdul-Jabbar, Sampson, Olajuwon, and Robinson.
Moreover, Wembanyama's triple-double with blocks aligns him with the exclusive company of Olajuwon and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who are the only players to have recorded such a triple-double in their rookie seasons.
This outstanding performance also draws parallels with Tim Duncan, as Wembanyama becomes the first rookie since the San Antonio legend to register at least 150 assists, 150 blocks, and 50 steals in a single season. The Frenchman's versatility on the court has undoubtedly set him apart in the league.
Wembanyama's 10 blocks in this game mark a career high in the NBA, surpassing his previous record of 8. This achievement, the first triple-double with blocks since 2021, reflects not only his shot-blocking prowess but also his well-rounded skills.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich commended Wembanyama's diverse abilities, highlighting his keen understanding of the game, decision-making, and shot-blocking capabilities. In response to his outstanding performance, Wembanyama expressed his satisfaction, emphasizing the excellent pace of the game and attributing the team's success to their collective efforts, navigating the inevitable highs and lows of match fitness in the competitive league.
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