The clock is ticking, and Victor Wembanyama’s electrifying NBA journey is taking off faster than anyone imagined! This evening, he’ll lace up for his 100th career game against the Nuggets at 3 AM ET. Since his draft day, he’s been nothing short of a sensation. As we gear up for this exciting matchup against Nikola Jokic, let’s look back at some of the most thrilling moments of “The Alien.”
June 22, 2023: The Draft
Every great story has a captivating beginning. For Victor Wembanyama, the draft wasn’t just a milestone but the launch of an incredible journey—a debut of an otherworldly talent ready to shake up the NBA. On that momentous night, all eyes were on the Barclays Center in Brooklyn as the stage was set for a legend.
As expected, the San Antonio Spurs selected Wemby first overall. Officially, he was now in the NBA, but what unfolded next was a whirlwind that would turn the league upside down.
November 2, 2023: 38 Points Against the Suns
Rookies typically need time to acclimate to the NBA’s intense atmosphere, but Victor Wembanyama skipped the formalities. In just his fifth game, he went toe-to-toe with heavyweights Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, and the result was nothing short of magic.
In the first half alone, Wemby dropped 20 points in just 17 minutes, drowning the Suns in a scoring wave. The final stats? A jaw-dropping 38 points and 10 rebounds. The league got a wake-up call: no one was prepared for the Wembanyama phenomenon.
December 28, 2023: Demolishing the Blazers
With a physique that stuns and concerns fans alike, everyone wondered how Wembanyama would handle an 82-game grind. The Spurs’ coaching staff opted to ease him in with limited minutes, but on December 28, he unleashed a display of brilliance against the Blazers.
In just 24 minutes on the court, he scored 30 points, grabbed 6 boards, dished out 6 assists, and swatted away 7 shots. The only other rookie to pull off such a masterpiece? David Robinson. The comparison couldn’t be clearer: Wemby is on another level.
February 12, 2024: A Triple-Double with 10 Blocks
Wembanyama’s offensive prowess dazzles, but let’s not forget, he’s a nightmare on defense too. On February 12, he reminded everyone just how versatile he is by recording a triple-double: 27 points, 14 rebounds, and an astounding 10 blocks against the Toronto Raptors.
This kind of performance, showcasing such versatility in limited minutes, sparked a pivotal question: just how high will he soar?
February 23, 2024: His First Five-by-Five Against the Lakers
Let’s rewind a bit. Back in the 2016-17 season, Oscar Robertson’s 41 triple-doubles in a season seemed untouchable—until Russell Westbrook came along and crushed that record. Fast forward, and now the triple-double is almost routine thanks to today’s stars like Nikola Jokic.
Now, in early 2025, only two stats remain that truly catch the eye: the elusive quadruple-double and the coveted five-by-five. Wemby notched his first five-by-five against the Lakers on February 23. With 27 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 steals, and 5 blocks, he became just the 15th player to achieve such a feat. An incredible accomplishment, especially considering he did it again on October 31 against the Jazz. The five-by-five might just become a Wemby trademark.
February 29, 2024: Destroying Chet Holmgren
As his rookie season progressed, a rivalry emerged—not against Scoot Henderson, but against Chet Holmgren. The Unicorn, drafted a year earlier, made his debut as Wemby’s hype escalated. But on February 29, Wemby would decisively end the Rookie of the Year debate.
In a nail-biter against the Thunder, Wemby delivered a spectacular performance: 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists. But it was his block against Holmgren late in the game that sealed the moment. The rivalry was officially tilted in his favor.
March 29, 2024: 40 Points and 20 Rebounds Against the Knicks
After a disappointing debut at Madison Square Garden, where he managed only 14 points, Wemby was determined to make a statement. In their second meeting with the Knicks, he unleashed a monster game, scoring 40 points and grabbing 20 rebounds to cement his dominance and exact some revenge.
The crowd may have chanted “overrated,” but tonight, Wemby silenced the skeptics with a classic performance. Mission accomplished!
May 6, 2024: Unanimous Rookie of the Year
With jaw-dropping stats and memorable highlights from October to April, the Rookie of the Year race was a formality. Victor Wembanyama was named Rookie of the Year unanimously, wrapping up a sensational first year with averages of 21.4 points and 10.6 rebounds.
This was just the beginning; Chapter 1 was truly exceptional!
November 13, 2024: 50 Points Against the Wizards
Chapter 2 began with a bit of a rough patch as Wemby struggled to find his rhythm, facing heavy criticism. However, on November 13, he stepped onto the court against the Wizards with something to prove.
With a coming-out party for the ages, Wembanyama exploded for 50 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks, showcasing his return in style. The league was officially on notice!
December 25, 2024: His First Christmas Game
Remember that earlier upset against the Knicks? Wemby had a chance to rectify it on Christmas Day. Back at Madison Square Garden, he aimed to silence his critics once again.
Delivering another stellar performance with 42 points and 18 rebounds, he became only the third player ever to score over 40 points in his Christmas debut. Unfortunately, Mikal Bridges had other plans, scoring 41 to steal the win for New York. Will Wemby get his first Christmas Day win next year?
Next Stop: The All-Star Game?
This year could mark a pivotal moment for Victor Wembanyama as he strives for his first All-Star Game selection. While the competition for a starting role may be tough, he has all the tools to earn a spot among the reserves. We can’t wait to see Wemby shine on the All-Star stage!
Source: StatsMuse, ESPN, Basketball Reference