Wemby vs. James the latest generational clash in NBA
The last time the San Antonio Spurs won a game, it took 38 points from rookie face of the franchise Victor Wembanyama and a 27-point rally against the Phoenix Suns.
That was November 2.
Over one month and 18 losses later, Wemby and San Antonio (4-20) are back in the win column after a wire-to-wire 129-115 victory over LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers (15-11) on Friday night.
"This is what I'm addicted to," said the 19-year-old Frenchman after the win. "This is what I love."
Despite San Antonio's putrid record, fans must be all-in on what they've seen from the top pick in the 2024 NBA draft. Wembanyama is scoring 19 points and hauling in 10.9 rebounds per contest, with eight double-doubles in his last nine games.
On December 8 he became the youngest player in NBA history to post 20 points and 20 boards in the same game, breaking a record set by Dwight Howard for the Orlando Magic set in 2005.
While Wembanyama only scored 13 points on 5-of-13 shooting against Los Angeles, he still managed his fourth game with at least 15 rebounds.
"He's a special talent, they've got a good one here," said James after the game. Despite the loss, James hit a three-pointer over Wembanyama that went viral/
This was the first career matchup between Wembanyama and James and could become the latest iconic "passing the torch" moment from one NBA generation to the next. This is something the league has a special track record with.
From Larry Bird and Magic Johnson to Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, to James and now Wembanyama, NBA fans have had the privilege to witness generational icons take on their successors.
The marquee matchups for Wembanyama continue, with fellow cultural phenom Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans next up on the schedule. Williamson is perhaps the only player since LeBron to enter the league with as much hype as Wembanyama, but injuries have derailed the start of his career.
With Williamson finally healthy and contributing 22.8 points per game of his own, Wemby vs. Williamson could develop into the NBA's next great individual rivalry.
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