Wembanyama records 40 points and 13 rebounds in 65th game, achieving another milestone.
SAN ANTONIO — Victor Wembanyama achieved the 65-game requirement for postseason awards eligibility on Friday, delivering a 40-point performance that included 13 rebounds, 5 assists, and two blocks in a 139-120 victory against the Dallas Mavericks.
“I’m sure he’ll feel sore tomorrow, but he came through well,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson remarked.
After missing one game due to a bruised left rib sustained on Monday against Philadelphia, Wembanyama recorded his fifth game this season with at least 40 points and 10 rebounds, equaling Hall of Famer David Robinson’s record (1993-94) for the most such games in a single season in Spurs history. Wembanyama played for 26 minutes, contributing to San Antonio’s record of 24-3 since the All-Star break.
Wembanyama showed signs of discomfort at times, placing a hand on his injured rib. However, this did not hinder his performance. In the first quarter alone, he scored 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting, along with five rebounds and a block.
“I tried to protect [the injured rib] as much as I could while still respecting the game,” Wembanyama stated. “But it was manageable. It didn’t trouble me too much, just a few instances where a specific moment or hit caused pain.”
As a leading candidate for NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Wembanyama expressed relief at meeting the 65-game requirement, referring to it as “a box that’s [been] checked,” while also showing understanding for players like Cade Cunningham, Anthony Edwards, and Luka Doncic, who are ineligible for postseason awards due to insufficient games played (Doncic is anticipated to appeal) because of injuries.
The French player then shifted the focus back to the reporters present.
“Let me pose a question to you,” Wembanyama said. “What percentage of the season do you believe should be the [threshold]?”
Reporters offered various responses ranging from 75% to 80% of the season, until one media member proposed that no game threshold should exist, as the number of games played does not necessarily reflect a player’s influence.
“I think that’s a valid point,” Wembanyama replied. “Because a player who participates in 50 games for 35 minutes each game totals 1,750 [minutes], right? Whereas a player who plays 75 games at 20 minutes totals 1,500 [minutes].”
The 22-year-old quickly calculated the figures in his mind as he spoke.
“In my view, it’s reasonable to not impose a limit,” he stated. “That’s just one perspective. Seventy-five percent of the games, in my opinion, would be a sensible benchmark. That would be 61.5 games, correct? So, 62 games? There are some intriguing questions. I don’t believe there will be an exception made for this year. It would seem somewhat unjust. But we will see how it unfolds.”
