Victor Wembanyama's Triple-Double 'Carrying' Spurs Over Raptors
The San Antonio Spurs beat the Toronto Raptors on Monday, and a look at the box score reveals that it was a one-man show. Victor Wembanyama posted his second triple-double, but this time he did it with points, rebounds, and blocks.
Wembanyama became the first player since Clint Capela in 2021 to record a triple-double that way. It was the 25th time in NBA history that a player recorded at least 10 blocks, 10 rebounds, and 25 points. 11 players have done it before, and all but three of them (and those that are still playing) are in the Hall of Fame.
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It's safe to say that Wembanyama is in an elite company. He is the youngest by nearly three years to achieve the feat.
After the game, Wembanyama received praise from fans, social media, the press, and his teammates. The gravity of his play opened up chances for Spurs who thrived with the lack of defensive attention they received. Devin Vassell was able to shoot five-for-seven from deep and racked up 25 points, and he gave the rookie his flowers.
"I feel like we fed off of Vic (Wembanyama) and we came out on both ends of the floor," Vassell said. "Knocking down threes, blocking shots, he was just all over the place. Passing the ball. He was really carrying us through the first quarter."
Lost in Wembanyama's accomplishment was his five assists. In the first quarter, he had two assists and only one turnover, so it was not a selfish performance. Coach Gregg Popovich observed that.
"He did a little bit of everything," Popovich said. "Obviously, he's (Wembanyama) an all-around talented player. Has a great feel for the game. It shows in a variety of ways. Whether it's passing or making decisions, blocking shots, it doesn't matter."
Wembanyama averages 3.2 assists per game on the season but has unlocked his passing in recent games. Over his last ten games, he has increased his average to a steady four per game.
Even while he is still unlocking his game, it is clear that he is already one of the league's best players, and the NBA is counting down the days until he runs the Association.
