Nov 2, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) blocks the shot attempted by Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first half at Frost Bank Center. Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Spurs' Victor Wembanyama Earns NBA Award Despite Not Playing 65 Games

Originally posted on San Antonio Spurs on SI
By Matt Guzman | Last updated Jun 1, 2025 2:02 PM ET

SAN ANTONIO — Victor Wembanyama fell short of the NBA's 65-game appearance threshold to qualify for postseason awards this year.

He got one anyway.

Surprising the San Antonio Spurs' 21-year-old superstar, Mitch Johnson delivered a trophy to Wembanyama to commemorate him leading the NBA in blocked shots.

Congratulations, @wemby

In just 46 games, Victor led the NBA in blocks this season pic.twitter.com/kWre3JqxeZ
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) May 30, 2025

"We have a rule here that you have to play 46 games to get trophies handed out to you," the coach said, "so, you made it."

In his appearances this season Wembanyama averaged 24.3 points, 11 rebounds and a league-leading 3.8 blocks per game on 47 percent shooting from the field. He was on pace for the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year, a spot on 1-of-3 All-NBA squads and potentially the league's Most Improved Player of the Year Award.

As far as totals, the center tallied 176 total blocks — 28 more than second place. The top five rim protectors in the NBA are as follows:

1) Victor Wembanyama, SAS (176)
2) Brook Lopez, MIL (148)
3) Myles Turner, IND (144)
4) Walker Kessler, UTA (138)
5) Evan Mobley, CLE (113)

Looks like a special trophy was crafted for Victor Wembanyama for leading the #NBA in blocks this season. In 46 games, the #Spurs center tallied 176. Behind him?

2) Brook Lopez, MIL (148)
3) Myles Turner, IND (144)
4) Walker Kessler, UTA (138)
5) Evan Mobley, CLE (113) https://t.co/qwwSLkmHnm
— Matt Guzman (@mattgzman) May 30, 2025

Wembanyama was sidelined on Feb. 20 after team doctors found a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. Since then, the Frenchman has been working on getting back to full health, and the team expects him to be fully ready by the time training camp rolls around.

If he stays healthy then, he'll be eligible for more than just a blocks trophy.

This article first appeared on San Antonio Spurs on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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