Victor Wembanyama misses on 10-block triple-double, continues historic start

Victor Wembanyama was posterized by Zion Williamson in the first possession of the San Antonio Spurs' game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. 

Wembanyama took the sequence personally, responding by thwarting back-to-back layup attempts from Williamson in the first quarter and blocking the Pelicans star two more times later in the contest. 

Victor Wembanyama blocks nine shots

Wembanyama would finish with a stat line of 29 points, 11 rebounds and nine blocks, narrowly missing out on a triple-double, in the Spurs' 120-116 overtime victory. The 7-foot-5 superstar fouled out with 4:17 left in OT, which prevented him from registering his tenth block.

Regardless, he had already done enough to help the Spurs begin a new season 2-0 for the first time since 2019-20. The triumphant start could be a harbinger of the Spurs ending their six-year playoff drought, ushering in a new era for the five-time NBA champions.

Victor Wembanyama rewriting history 

The 21-year-old phenom has been otherworldly to start the new season. After posting 40 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks in the opener against the Houston Rockets, he nearly achieved a rare triple-double with blocks on Friday — a feat he achieved as a rookie. 

Through the first two games, Wemby has tallied 69 points, 26 rebounds and 12 blocks on a staggering clip of 63.6%. According to the NBA, he's the first player to start a season with 60-plus points and 10-plus blocks since 1990, and only the fifth since 1974.

Wembanyama's Spurs (2-0) will look to continue their winning ways Sunday when they host the Brooklyn Nets (0-2) in a matinee affair. The Spurs will be playing at home for the first time in the season.