In addition to his on-court exploits, Victor Wembanyama gained notoriety for a remarkable NBA feat he pulled off during the San Antonio Spurs’ game versus the Los Angeles Lakers.
Wembanyama received news that he would be joining Jamaal Tinsley (2001) as the only rookie in the NBA to record a 5×5 game—a game with at least 5 points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Furthermore, he became just the second player to have five steals and five blocks in consecutive games, following Michael Jordan. However, Wembanyama’s victories came at the expense of Jordan’s.
Wembanyama’s line of 27 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 steals, and 5 blocks put him in uncommon company as the 15th player in NBA history to post a 5×5, and the first since Jusuf Nurkic in 2019. This was the Spurs’ 113-108 loss to the Lakers. In addition, he made history as the first player to average a 5×5 across two games since the 1973–74 season was when the statistic was first officially recorded.
Wembanyama, who played 31 minutes and only 20 years old, became the youngest player to record a 5×5, and he also joined the elite group of players who have recorded 25 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 blocks, and 5 steals in a game, along with Hakeem Olajuwon. Notwithstanding these achievements, Wembanyama emphasized the value of team triumphs over individual recognition.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers’ best players, outclassed the inexperienced Spurs squad. Comparing Wembanyama’s influence on the game to other outstanding defensive players in NBA history, James praised Wembanyama’s boundless potential and distinctive physical qualities.
Wembanyama’s extraordinary potential and the promising future it portends for the Spurs are acknowledged by the team and its players, especially guard Devin Vassell, despite the Spurs’ difficult season with an 11-46 record and their 10th loss in 11 games. Driven by their shared desire to turn their fortunes around and Wembanyama’s dreams of glory, they continue to be dedicated to excellence.