Victor Wembanyama has been the center of attention during the initial week of the NBA season. The 19-year-old newcomer showcased an impressive performance on Friday, securing his first double-double as the San Antonio Spurs triumphed over the Houston Rockets in overtime with a final score of 126-122.
In the closing moments of regulation, with his team trailing by two points and only 20 seconds remaining, the young Frenchman delivered a game-tying shot. He concluded the game with a notable stat line, boasting 21 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks, and two steals at the Frost Bank Center.
As reported by ESPN’sESPN’s Stats and Information, Wembanyama becomes the second player in the Spurs’Spurs’ history to record 20-plus points and ten or more rebounds in his first two NBA games.
At a towering height of 7 feet and 4 inches, accompanied by an impressive 8-foot wingspan, Wembanyama brings a unique skill set that has seldom been witnessed in the NBA.
Anticipated to make a significant impact on defense during his inaugural season, the young player has already demonstrated his disruptive capabilities in the preseason and during his debut on Wednesday, utilizing his remarkable reach to unsettle opponents.
Expressing his passion for victory, Wembanyama stated, “I love winning. It’s what I cherish most in life, so naturally, it feels incredible,” as reported by ESPN.
Devin Vassell, the guard for the Spurs, commended the young talent, who was the first overall pick in this year’s draft.
“After the first preseason game or scrimmage, I mentioned that he would pull off some remarkable plays at least once every game, and tonight he probably had three or four,” he stated, according to ESPN.
“That just speaks to his ability, and as I always emphasize, he makes the game smoother for us, and we need to reciprocate.”
In other NBA news, Luka Dončić scored 49 points, including four consecutive three-pointers in the final quarter, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 125-120 victory against the Brooklyn Nets.
The Golden State Warriors secured a 122-114 win over the Sacramento Kings, with Steph Curry contributing the game’s highest score of 41 points.
Nikola Jokić also showcased top-tier performance, finishing with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists as the NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets, narrowly defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 108-104.
