Even in his first year in the NBA, Victor Wembanyama has proven he’s here to stay after putting up stellar performances on both ends of the court. And after the San Antonio Spurs rookie’s big game against the Philadelphia 76ers, the French star is making his case as one of the best players in the league known to everyone.
In a recent game between San Antonio and Philadelphia, the latter went home with the 133-126 victory. Even without Joel Embiid, the 76ers had Tyrese Maxey lead the way when the All-Star guard dropped 52 points on the Spurs. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 26 points, while Paul Reed filled in for last year’s MVP by making 11 points and 10 rebounds.
The Spurs, on the other hand, had a big game from Wembanyama when the leading Rookie of the Year candidate posted 33 points, 18 rebounds, six assists, and seven blocks. Malaki Branham tallied 22 points, while Tre Jones and Julian Champagne each had 17 points.
The loss plunged San Antonio down the standings as the team now has 19 wins and 59 losses. Meanwhile, the Sixers’ recent win helped them rise up to the Eastern Conference’s seventh-seed with a 44-35 record.
San Antonio Spurs Star Victor Wembanyama Makes History After Breaking Tim Duncan Record
Apart from Wembanyama’s big game against Philadelphia, the Spurs rookie also made history at the same time. According to a post by NBA.com/Stats on X:
“Victor Wembanyama totals his 4th game of the year with 30+ PTS, 10+ REBS, and 5+ BLKS, passing Tim Duncan for third-most in a season by a Rookie (since 73-74 when blocks were recorded):
David Robinson – 7 (1989-90)
Shaquille O’Neal – 4 (1992-93)
Victor Wembanyama – 4 (2023-24)
Tim Duncan – 3 (1997-98),” NBA.com/Stats tweeted.
Apart from Wembanyama, all three names on that list have gone on to win championships during their respective NBA careers. Moreover, Robinson and Duncan were products of the Spurs system, making the French star’s future more promising. Add his strong case to win Defensive Player of the Year, and San Antonio upcoming seasons will be a lot more interesting.
Even though the Spurs had a horrendous season this year, Wembanyama’s first year in the league has shown everyone he has a bright future ahead of him. With the records and numbers he’s putting up, it’s only a matter of time before the French rookie dominates the NBA.
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