Victor Wembanyama has made history as he scored a remarkable 50 points during the San Antonio Spurs’ 139-130 victory over the Washington Wizards. This game, held on Wednesday night, marks a new career high for the 20-year-old, who also made a career-best eight 3-pointers.
In reflecting on his achievement, Wembanyama expressed his desire for future performances to eclipse this one, indicating his focus on continuous improvement. “I want to make it where in the future, [this is] just another one,” he stated.
At just 20 years and 314 days old, Wembanyama is now the fourth-youngest player in NBA history to score 50 points in a game, and he also stands out as the tallest player to have achieved this milestone at 7-foot-4. Notably, the last three 50-point games for the Spurs occurred during overtime, making Wembanyama’s feat in regulation particularly noteworthy.
Wembanyama’s initial scoring set the tone for the game as he assisted or scored on four consecutive field goals within the game’s first minute, helping San Antonio take an early 13-3 lead. His performance peaked in the third quarter, where he was a perfect 7-of-7 from the floor and scored 19 points.
Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson praised Wembanyama, highlighting the unique challenge he presents to opponents when making shots beyond the arc. Over the course of the game, Wembanyama showcased his scoring prowess and versatility, finishing with 18-of-29 shooting, alongside six rebounds and three blocks in just 32 minutes.
This significant milestone comes after Wembanyama’s previous high of 40 points in an overtime victory last season, and he achieved this 50-point game in considerably fewer outings, needing only 83 games to reach this mark.
After the game, Wembanyama planned to reflect on his achievement during a treatment session. “I love to celebrate the small wins and the big wins for a certain amount of time… It’s definitely a big milestone,” he noted, acknowledging the accomplishment while maintaining his focus on upcoming challenges, specifically the next game against the Lakers.
This performance from Wembanyama not only highlights his extraordinary talent but also signals exciting prospects for the future of the Spurs franchise. His ability to dominate the game at such a young age paints a bright picture for Spurs fans and adds to the anticipation of his ongoing development in the league.