Victor Wembanyama continues to showcase his limitless basketball potential, leaving fans in awe of his exceptional skills.
In a recent game against the New York Knicks, the 7-foot-4 rookie delivered an extraordinary performance, scoring 40 points, grabbing 20 rebounds, and dishing out seven assists to secure a 130-126 overtime victory for the San Antonio Spurs.
This marked a career high for Wembanyama, highlighting his impressive progress since being drafted as the number one overall pick last June.
40/20/7
Victor Wembanyama just became the first rookie with 40/20 since Shaquille O’Neal in 1993. Wemby also had 7 assists. Remarkable performance by one of the NBA’s greatest players already. pic.twitter.com/kvR4Cc3PDd
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) March 30, 2024
Wembanyama’s incredible stat line included shooting 13-for-22 from the field, including four successful 3-pointers out of nine attempts, and converting 10 of his 12 free throw attempts.
Not only did he become the first rookie in over 30 years to achieve 40 points and 20 rebounds in a game, but he also became the first player in Spurs history to accomplish a 40-point, 20-rebound, five-assist performance.
Addressing the crowd at the Frost Bank Center after the game, Wembanyama expressed his gratitude for the support he has received throughout the season.
Despite the Knicks’ Jalen Brunson scoring a career-high 61 points, Wembanyama’s solid play, including a crucial 3-pointer in overtime, helped secure the victory.
The Spurs, initially struggling earlier in the season, have experienced a turnaround, winning seven of their last 15 games.
Wembanyama’s notable impact has positioned him as a strong contender for Rookie of the Year, showcasing his ability to contribute to wins.
With the potential to become the centerpiece of a championship team, the Spurs’ offseason plans and potential acquisitions will be worth monitoring.
Wembanyama’s remarkable performance against the Knicks has sparked comparisons to rookie Shaquille O’Neal, as the French sensation achieved a feat not accomplished by a rookie since O’Neal himself.
Victor Wembanyama is the 1st Rookie since Shaq to drop a 40 PTS/20 REB game, per @NBAHistory.
🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/GX5znhiQz0 pic.twitter.com/pIZvwXotjZ
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 30, 2024
Wembanyama’s versatility, including his ability to make 3-pointers, adds to his growing reputation as an exceptional player.
Fans reacted as follows.
Wemby looks pretty awesome but please post the assists from the refs
— NYKnicksPodcast (@NYKnicksPodcast) March 30, 2024
And threw Brunson's 61pt game ball into the crowd 😆
— Questzilla (@questzilla) March 30, 2024
Can't wait for the @spurs to acquire the right ballhandler/playmaker to pair with Wemby 🏀
With a potent pick&roll combo, and the right role players, #SanAntonio will begin to reemerge again— A_Prezz (@A_PerezSF49SAS) March 30, 2024
That last sentence is a very big “HUH???” He’s extremely talented but bro literally hasn’t even won an accolade yet lol
— Unknown (@HereTheCope) March 30, 2024
One of the “NBA’s greatest players” has 18 career wins and is in last place
— Cocky Kyle Shanahan (@CoachKShanahan) March 30, 2024
Even more remarkable performance by the @nba referees who bailed him out with that fraudulent tip violation call on Mitchell Robinson.
— Mattie Moss's Glasses (@clayfilms) March 30, 2024
He’s the best rookie since Duncan
— KlawWrld (@kawhi_ring) March 30, 2024
This is quite impressive to think he’s been amazing since the all stars
— Dy Baby 💕 (@Dycocoo) March 30, 2024
12 hours after playing a game against Shaq Wemby would be coaching basketball to 8 year olds in a small French town.
— PA (@patoomany) March 30, 2024
A future all time great man…
Gonna be great watching his career unfold— IM DAT GUY (@greatness_TBS) March 30, 2024
