Victor Wembanyama Makes NBA History Against Lakers

With his 25-point first quarter, Wembanyama also tied an NBA record for the most points by a center in an opening frame (via Real Sports). This was also the most points in a quarter scored by a Spur in the play-by-play area, making it just one more historical feat for Wembanyama in LA.

Due to the lopsided score, Wembanyama played just 26 minutes in this game. He still finished with 40 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block in the 136-108 victory. This line also made NBA history, as no other player has recorded at least 40 points and 12 rebounds in fewer than 27 minutes (h/t Underdog NBA).

After being selected No. 1 overall by San Antonio in 2023, Wembanyama won the Rookie of the Year award and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting. This also earned him an All-Defensive First Team selection, an honor he unfortunately missed out on last season due to a deep vein thrombosis diagnoses that limited him to just 46 games.

Coming back in top form this season, Wembanyama has the Spurs second in the Western Conference standings. Entering Tuesday, San Antonio's 36-16 record trailed only the Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons for the best mark in the NBA. Wembanyama is the biggest reason for that, as his two-way dominance continues making him one of the league's best players.

Sunday's All-Star Game will take place at Intuit Dome, the home of the LA Clippers. Wembanyama was voted in as a starter, and will represent Team World in the league's new format. Including this season, Wembanyama has led the NBA in blocks each of his first three campaigns. His defensive prowess was always highly-touted, but it's been his strides offensively that have made him the tier-one superstar many projected he'd be.

Converting on 46.5% of his field goal attempts as a rookie, Wembanyama saw improvement as a sophomore when he shot 47.6% from the field. Entering Tuesday, the 7-foot-4 phenom was up to 50.7% from the field, which is aided by a career-best 36.0% from beyond the arc.

While Wembanyama has steadily improved his 3-point percentage, he has also reduced his 3-point attempt rate this season, meaning he is taking more of his shots from inside the arc. Taking 47% of his shots from deep last season, Wembanyama relied heavily on that part of his game. This is down to just 30.1% this season, meaning the 22-year-old is getting more comfortable using his size to score closer to the basket.

In the first half on Tuesday, it was some of everything from Wembanyama as he made NBA history once again.