The NBA Rookie of the Year race was already trending toward Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama headed into the All-Star break. It might now be over.
Wembanyama outdueled Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren on Thursday night, leading San Antonio to its first home win since Jan. 27. While Wembanyama didn’t have to do it all himself — Devin Vassell scored an efficient 28 points while Jeremy Sochan recorded a double-double — the performance was a taste of what Spurs fans are hoping to see next season: winning basketball.
The 20-year-old was thrilled with the victory, telling the crowd, “I missed this s—,” in an on-court interview after the game and leading a “Let’s go Spurs” chant.
“I missed this sh*t. I love it!”
Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama is happy to play in front of the home crowd for the first time since early February 🗣️pic.twitter.com/bGEZ7JOVeV
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 1, 2024
Wembanyama has been on a complete tear in recent weeks, but his postgame comments Thursday were a reminder that it simply means more to him when the Spurs are winning.
Here’s a closer look at Wembanyama’s historic stat line from San Antonio’s win over the Thunder.
MORE: Why Victor Wembanyama is a lock for Rookie of the Year
Victor Wembanyama stats vs. Thunder
Wembanyama exploded for 28 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and five blocks in the Spurs’ 132-118 win. He shot 5-for-7 from 3-point range and recorded two steals as well.
While it wasn’t a 5×5 game, which Wembanyama posted against the Lakers a week earlier, it was a performance never before seen in NBA history. The rookie became the first player with at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, five blocks and five made 3-pointers in a game.
Victor Wembanyama becomes the first player in NBA history to record 25+ points, 10+ rebounds, 5+ assists, 5+ blocks, and 5+ 3PM in a game 📈
🔥 28 PTS
🔥 13 REB
🔥 7 AST
🔥 5 BLK
🔥 5 3PM
🔥 W pic.twitter.com/xNKwwOpNmS— NBA (@NBA) March 1, 2024
Wembanyama’s five blocks also ensured he finished the month of February with more blocks (47) than five entire teams. The 20-year-old is averaging 5.3 blocks per game over his last seven contests, dating back to before the All-Star break.
Holmgren had an impressive night himself, continuing a stretch of strong performances by the Thunder big man. He scored 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting and added seven rebounds along with five assists. That his night pales in comparison to Wembanyama’s says much more about the Spurs’ rising star than what the Thunder have in Holmgren.
It could be argued that the Spurs’ struggles have taken away from the absurdity of Wembanyama’s rookie season at times. San Antonio is just 12-48 even after Thursday’s win, easily enough to sit last in the West. Still, Wemby is making it tough to ignore what he’s doing. He is averaging 22.3 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.6 blocks over his last 18 games, shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from 3-point range.
His success from beyond the arc has been the most noticeable improvement from early in the season, and his efficiency from 3-point range over the 18-game stretch would rival the most efficient shooters from the 2023 draft class.
