As two of the younger teams in the league, the Spurs and Wizards are not often talked about in the scope of the NBA playoff picture but their matchup certainly drew attention tonight when Victor Wembanyama exploded for the best game of his career.
The Spurs ended up with the 139-130 win thanks to Wembanyama, who finished with a career-high 50 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists on 18-29 shooting (62.1%). It all began in the first quarter when Victor started the game in a nice offensive rhythm. He finished the first half with 21 points including 4 made three-pointers but it was really just the start. Victor kept his foot on the gas down the stretch and lit up the Wizards offensively with 52.2% shooting from the field.
Wembanyama’s game overshadowed an excellent game from Jordan Poole, who finished with 42 points (15-22 FG), 6 assists, and 2 rebounds in the loss. Nothing he could do was enough for the Wizards to overcome Wembanyama and they could do nothing but watch as he imposed his will in the paint.
“Wemby is only 20 years old and just scored his 50th point in 28 minutes. First thing he did when he went to the bench? Talk with his teammates about what they can do better,” wrote a Spurs fan in disbelief. “This kid is going to be one of the greats.”
On social media, fans couldn’t stop buzzing with reactions from the game and thoughts about Victor’s future in the league. While it hasn’t been the kind of season fans were hoping for, this kind of performance is proof of what he’s capable of and why he was being touted so highly as the former No. 1 pick.
“Remember when Wemby didn’t have the best 1st game of the season vs the Mavs and mfs were talking like he was gon have a sophomore slump lmao,” wrote a fan on X.
Victor was in control all night long but he was also a pest on defense, using his length and lanky arms to protect the rim and contest shot attempts. His presence helped to limit the 76ers’ efficiency and you could see impending doom anytime he got near the rim.
“Wemby is playing elite defense this year (better than last year) plus he has the stocks and the Spurs are good enough defensively, they’re literally like top 8 defensively with decent record too. If it stays like this he’s running away with it,” said one fan on Wemby’s chances for Defensive Player of the Year.
It wasn’t lost on fans that the performance came after being called out by an anonymous NBA scout this week, who said he was not an impactful offensive player.
“50 points for Wembanyama in 27 minutes with 8 made 3s within a week of an anonymous scout saying he doesn’t impact the offense,” posted one X user.
Wembanyama, who was drafted first overall this summer, was highly touted coming from France and the Spurs picked him at one fully expecting him to change the course of their franchise. As a team, they are still far from title contention but Victor is already showing great improvements and the fans have made sure to take note.
“Wemby could really be the GOAT man I’m crying tears of joy that he’s on the San Antonio Spurs,” one fan posted in celebration after the win.
With averages of 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game last season Victor was named the NBA’s Rookie of the Year. And while some thought he could be in play for both Most Improved and Defensive Player of the Year this season, he’ll need more games like tonight to win over the voters and prove that he’s a cut above your average 20-year-old basketball superstar.
“Victor Wembanyama isn’t old enough to drink in the US but just dropped 50 points on the Wizards tonight,” stated one fan in shock.
At 6-6, this is probably the best start that the Spurs could have hoped for and it’s already a drastic improvement from Victor’s rookie campaign. At this rate, the Spurs star will emerge as one of the top players in the game in just a few years.
“In all my years of watching sports I have never been more excited about a player than Victor Wembanyama,” one X user shared online.
It was an all-around great night for the Spurs’ young core. Besides Wembanyama, Devin Vassell also impressed with 17 points (5-14 FG) and 3 assists off the bench while third-year guard Julian Champagnie fished with 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in 33:23 minutes.
Of course, it remains to be seen how the development process will play out with Wembanyama and how soon he’ll take up the mantle as the next face of the NBA. But after a slow start and some noise from the haters, Victor was able to respond in a big way tonight and make a statement that he’s ready to join the ranks of the NBA elite.
At just 29 years old, Victor is still just learning the game and he’s still finding his place just like every other young NBA star. Of course, Victor has to deal with more pressure than most on account of his amazing talents but he seems more than willing to lead the show and take on whatever challenges come with it.
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