Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Victor Wembanyama Doubles Down on Bold MVP Statement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Mar 31, 2026 8:14 PM ET

Victor Wembanyama continues to cement himself as a frontrunner for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award. The San Antonio Spurs star backed up his bold MVP stance Monday night with another dominant performance. The 7-foot-4 Frenchman led the Spurs to a 129-114 victory over the Chicago Bulls.

Wembanyama ended the game with 41 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and a steal. He shot 17-of-27 from the field and 3-of-6 from three-point range. He also recorded a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds within the first eight minutes.

Thanks in large part to Wembanyama's heroics, the Spurs marked their ninth straight win.

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama dribbles the ball up the court during his team's game against the Sacramento Kings.Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

For Wembanyama, the night was simply another step toward a specific goal he outlined last week. The 22-year-old center went viral for claiming he has his eyes on the MVP trophy. He believes he has done well enough to deserve that honor.

“I have thought about it (MVP race)," he told reporters after the Spurs beat the Miami Heat on March 23. "I think right now, there is a debate. There should be, even though I think I should lead the race. I'm trying to make sure that at the end of the season, there's no debate."

When asked Monday night if he was still asserting that claim, Wembanyama remained unwavering.

“Totally. It is my mindset,” he said after the game. "I think today wasn’t perfect. I think we should have won the game (more decisively). But more than as a team … personally, I wish I was better. But it's still satisfying.”

Wemby's post-game interview highlights:

- wants to leave no doubt about MVP
- says "I need to be better" after 41/16/4/3
- "anything is possible" with the Spurs pic.twitter.com/J8FHP02AdM
— WembyMuse (@Wemby_Muse) March 31, 2026

Last week, Wembanyama outlined his arguments for why he should be considered the MVP. He emphasized that defense makes up half of the game and is undervalued so far in the race. He believes he is the most impactful defensive player in the league.

The French superstar also highlighted his team’s success, including their dominance over the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, this season. The Spurs have already beaten them four times, even when the Thunder had their full roster. Finally, he argued that offensive impact should not be measured by points alone.

The latest victory brings the Spurs’ season record to 57-18. Remarkably, the team has won 24 of the last 26 games with Wembanyama on the floor.

With only seven contests remaining in the season, San Antonio sits just two games behind Oklahoma for the top seed in the Western Conference.

The next seven games are critical for Wembanyama to secure the MVP while leading the Spurs. The Paris-born forward currently averages 24.5 points, 11.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.1 blocked shots per game. He also shoots 50.4% from the field and 35.1% from three-point range this season.

If Wembanyama and his team continue their strong play, he could emerge as the youngest MVP in NBA history.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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