Victor Wembaneyama scored a career-high 50 points in a performance that left San Antonio’s teammates and opponents in awe.
After the Spurs’ 139-130 win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night, Wembaneyama shrugged his shoulders and wondered when he could ever do better.
“Actually, my first thought is ultimately I want the rest of the performance, the rest of the games to overshadow this game,” said Wenbangyama, a 2023 No. 1 draft pick. “Hopefully, in the future, it becomes another thing.”
It’s this pragmatism that has helped Wembaneyama develop into one of the league’s youngest superstars.
“Very impressive,” Spurs point guard Chris Paul said.
At 20 years and 314 days old, Wembaneyama is the fourth-youngest player to reach 50 points, following Brandon Jennings (20/52), LeBron James (20/80), and Devin Booker (20/145).
“It’s a big deal,” San Antonio winger Julien Champagnie said. “Obviously, it’s not going to be like that every night, but when he comes in with that mindset, it’s difficult and it’s difficult (for the opposition). Big compliment to him, big shout out to him. . He’s working on his game.
“So we’re very proud of him and that’s what we expect from him.”
Wenbangyama set a career high by making 8 of 16 3-point shots, matching that record with six 3-pointers in the past two games.
Wenbanyama immediately started against the Wizards, hitting 3-pointers from 25 and 28 feet as the Spurs led 13-3.
“There’s probably not a player (against) that does everything at a high level,” Washington center Jonas Valanciunas said. “Their shots, their 3-point shots, we did everything to take it away and he still managed them.”
Wenbanyama scored a career-high 24 points in the first half, and matched his highest score in the first half with 26 points in the final two quarters against the Wizards.
Wenbanyama became the first player in league history to record 20 three-pointers and 25 blocks in six games.
Wembangyama became the eighth player in San Antonio franchise history to score 50 points in a single game. David Robinson holds the franchise record with 71 points on April 24, 1994 against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The feat may have some significance later on, but Wenbanyama was already focused on Friday night’s Emirates NBA Cup opener against the Los Angeles Lakers.
“I love celebrating both small and big wins in a short amount of time, but tomorrow is already locked in for the Lakers,” Wembaneyama said.
