Victor Wembanyama bounced back with an incredible game, leading the Spurs to a 106-88 win against the Jazz.
Wembanyama’s Stellar Performance
After having what many called his worst game ever, Wembanyama showed everyone his talent by achieving a rare 5×5 stat line. He scored 25 points, grabbed nine rebounds, made seven assists, and added five steals and five blocks. This was his second time doing such an impressive performance; he did it first against the Lakers in February when he scored 27 points with similar stats.
Joining Elite Company
Wembanyama is now one of only three players to have multiple 5×5 games. The others are Hakeem Olajuwon and Andrei Kirilenko. Alongside Olajuwon, he’s also one of just two players to score at least 25 points in these games.
Wemby joins Hakeem Olajuwon (4x) as the only players in NBA history to total 25+ PTS, 5+ REB, 5+ AST, 5+ BLK and 5+ STL in multiple games (since steals and blocks were recorded in 1973-74).
…he's just a week into his 2nd season.
— NBA History (@NBAHistory)
A Rare Achievement
According to Elias Sports Bureau, this was only the 23rd time since 1973 that someone achieved a 5×5 game in the NBA. Other active players like Nicolas Batum, Draymond Green, Anthony Davis, and Jusuf Nurkic have done it once but never repeated it like Wembanyama.
Fans think it’s amazing how quickly he’s making history!
Early Season Struggles
At first this season, Wembanyama struggled with only scoring a total of 20 points in losses to the Thunder and Rockets. But Thursday’s game might be where he turns things around and continues impressing us just like last year when he made All-Defensive First Team as a rookie.
He remains humble though; he told Tom Orsborn from San Antonio Express-News that he wants to keep improving for his team’s sake: “I need to get my standards up when I donโt get 5x5s because I am able to help my team in all those areas,” said Wembanyama after the game. “It should be a consistent thing.”
The Spurs won against a struggling Jazz team missing Lauri Markkanen due to back spasms. Next up for them is hosting Timberwolves on Saturday.
