Victor Wembanyama scored 40 points in one game, his record, to help the San Antonio Spurs dominate the New York Knicks on Friday March 29 in the NBA (130-126 after overtime). The French player, aged 20, even became the first rookie (starter) to have more than 40 points and 20 rebounds in a game since Shaquille O’Neal in 1993 – he finished the game with 40 points, 20 rebounds, 7 assists and 1 block.
Despite the San Antonio Spurs’ gloomy 2023-2024 financial year, last in the Western Conference with their 18e victory of the season only on Friday, Victor Wembanyama achieved individual feats, in the midst of the collective slump. His last record was on November 2, 2023, when he scored 38 points to beat Kevin Durant’s Phoenix Suns.
Friday, the 2.24 m Frenchman stole the show from Knicks leader Jalen Brunson, who scored 61 points, his record, one unit shy of his franchise record held by Carmelo Anthony (62 points in 2014).
“I’m on the right track”
If the Spurs have nothing left to play for at the end of the season, Wembanyama took advantage of this match with overtime to delight his audience and score the baskets, notably a long-distance shot to give the Texans a four-point lead at 1 min 12 s from the end of overtime.
“I have seen so many beautiful things [en NBA]I want to be part of it »launched Victor Wembanyama after the meeting. “I’ve always wanted it, but it’s even more the case now that I see that I can already fight with these players. I’m not close [du sommet] but I’m on the right track. I know it, I will get there soon. »
“I have a certain pride in doing new things, trying to fill out my CV too. It’s always something I try to do, to be different, unique, to make an impact on people too”he added, in French.
“He’s special”recognized his coach Gregg Popovich, at the head of a team in reconstruction which hopes to quickly return to the forefront in the wake of its phenomenon.
Before dreaming of a better ranking next season, “Wemby” should return to the French team this summer to shine at the Paris Olympic Games (July 26 – August 11).