2023’s top pick, Victor Wembanyama, continues to astound weekly. The San Antonio Spurs newcomer showcased his versatility in a resounding 132-118 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Wembanyama’s performance was staggering: 28 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, five blocks, and two steals, with a remarkable 5-of-7 from beyond the arc.
This display eclipsed his fellow Rookie of the Year contender, Chet Holmgren. Notably, Wembanyama etched his name in NBA history as the first player to achieve 25+ points, 10+ rebounds, 5+ assists, 5+ blocks, and 5+ three-pointers in a single game, as confirmed by the NBA.
Moreover, he capped off a dominant February, securing a unique milestone by being the sole NBA player to average two steals, two triples, and three blocks in a month.
The triumph held special significance for the rebuilding Spurs, returning home after their annual Rodeo Road Trip. Placed at the bottom of the Western Conference with a 12-48 season record, every victory is precious.
For Wembanyama, it was particularly gratifying, as he has emphasized his desire for historic feats to coincide with team victories.
“It’s a lot of mental,” Wembanyama explained after the game. “You know Kobe (Bryant) said to win a game, it mostly takes shots, big shots, because they don’t call like any fouls. It’s not as much as a physical battle. Even though in defense, it’s 90 percent effort, but offensively, it’s a lot of mental.”
The victory marked a significant upset for both ‘Wemby’ and San Antonio, toppling a team situated at the opposite spectrum of the standings. The Thunder entered Thursday’s clash with an impressive 41-17 record, securing the second spot in the Western Conference and trailing the first-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves by just half a game.
In the final quarter, the underdog Spurs found themselves fending off a resilient Thunder comeback, with Wembanyama assuming control down the stretch. His pivotal late-game triples extended his team’s lead and helped secure the victory.
The matchup also spotlighted what many anticipate as one of the NBA’s premier player rivalries for the next decade. Wembanyama squared off against OKC’s center Holmgren, the second overall pick in 2022, now classified as a rookie due to a season-long injury in his draft year.
Both athletes epitomize the modern NBA big man archetype: possessing traditional post prowess along with perimeter guard skills. Fans often dub them “unicorns” for their rare combination of talents.
Holmgren delivered a commendable performance of 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Nonetheless, Wembanyama had the final say, sealing the victory by blocking a critical jump shot from Holmgren in the game’s waning moments.
Holmgren lamented his side’s surprise loss postgame.
“It’s just another reminder that this is the NBA,” he said. “No team is in the NBA for no reason. No player is in the NBA for no reason. Any team can beat another on any given night regardless of record or anything. They came out confident. Part of that was them, and part of that was us. We should be better the next one.”
The Thunder’s MVP contender, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, spearheaded his team with an impressive 31-point performance, while Devin Vassell matched Wembanyama’s 28-point contribution for the Spurs.
Both teams will resume action on Sunday, with the San Antonio Spurs hosting the Indiana Pacers, while the OKC Thunder, now standing at 41-18, will face off against the Phoenix Suns.
