On Monday, I speculated that Victor Wembanyama is likely to be hitting the rookie wall, as his stats appeared to be regressing in February. Nevertheless, it seems that my article might have had a reverse jinx impact, because the rookie proved me improper in spectacular trend. The Frenchman delivered a historic efficiency in Toronto on Tuesday evening, attaining a uncommon feat by changing into the primary rookie since David Robinson to report a triple-double with factors, rebounds, and blocks.
However Wembanyama’s distinctive show didn’t finish with a triple-double; he additionally contributed 5 assists, making him the primary participant since Hakeem Olajuwon in 1996 to report a 25/10/10/5 recreation. To place this in perspective, the final time such an achievement occurred, I wasn’t even born, and Victor was seven years away from getting into the world. Being talked about in the identical dialog as Hakeem and Robinson signifies that Wembanyama has achieved one thing very particular.
Wemby continues to amaze us on a nightly foundation, and there’s no signal of it stopping. His latest flirtation with a quadruple-double on Monday evening means that it is likely to be a risk within the close to future. One facet of his recreation that always goes underrated is his passing abilities, and as his teammates adapt to enjoying alongside him, the synergy is enhancing. Regardless of going through fixed defensive consideration, together with double groups, Wembanyama’s capability to search out open teammates is changing into a precious asset.
Whereas it’s not possible to foretell precisely when and if he would possibly obtain a quadruple-double, given Wembanyama’s observe report, it’d occur sooner slightly than later. One factor is for positive, Wemby is must-see tv each evening he’s enjoying.
Spectacular breakdown of each block from Wembanyama’s standout efficiency on Monday evening. Jakob Poeltl, the previous Spur, discovered himself on the forefront of the block get together.
Wemby’s 10 blocks tonight:
1. Poeltl layup2. Barrett layup3. Poeltl layup4. Poeltl layup5. Poeltl hook6. Barnes hook7. Barnes layup8. Agbaji layup9. Barnes dunk10. Dick layup
Poor Jak
— Paul Garcia (@PaulGarciaNBA) February 13, 2024
The encapsulating block showcased Wemby’s seemingly easy defensive dominance.
Even on his historic evening, Wembanyama humbly acknowledges his teammates, giving credit score to Jeremy Sochan for a implausible defensive effort. These gestures reveal the true nature of a selfless chief.
Wemby on if he is glad he would not must go up towards Sochan:
“Oh, yeah. You possibly can rely in your fingers what number of guys can guard like him on this league. He’s such a fantastic asset and he’s only a sophomore. He has a lot extra to point out.”
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) February 13, 2024
Victor’s outstanding wingspan, extending to eight ft, serves as a relentless reminder of his limitless attain.
Devin Vessell captures the sentiment shared by many — the long run appears extremely promising. Wemby’s dominant rookie season presents glimpses of what’s to come back, leaving us to marvel simply how distinctive he might turn into in three years.
Devin on what the long run holds for the Spurs: “It’ll be scary to see what (Wemby’s) going to appear to be within the subsequent three or 4 years, what our workforce chemistry goes to appear to be, what me and him enjoying as a duo goes to appear to be…We have now one thing good right here…”
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) February 13, 2024
Don’t overlook to replace your Wemby bingo card; a triple-double with blocks is now off the board!
