Victor Wembanyama is already used to rewriting NBA history, and his latest playoff statement only pushed that reputation further.
The Spurs star became the first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year this season, adding another landmark to a career still in its early stages.
Now, after San Antonio beat Minnesota 115-108 in Game 3, Wembanyama has produced another line no NBA playoff player had ever reached.
Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images
According to StatMuse, Wembanyama became the first player in NBA playoff history to record at least 35 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks while shooting 70% or better.
He finished with 39 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks, shooting 13-of-18 from the field, as San Antonio moved 2-1 ahead in the series.
Besides being the game's top scorer, Wembanyama also controlled the paint and forced Minnesota into difficult late possessions.
In the fourth quarter, with the Spurs needing their franchise player to close, the Frenchman scored 16 points and turned a tight game into a historic statement.
Wembanyama later explained that some of his late-game work came from lessons learned with Hakeem Olajuwon, one of the greatest big men in NBA history.
"I had to resort to some things that Hakeem taught me in this 4th quarter. Many things, but especially that spin fadeaway over Rudy," he said in the post-match press conference.
That detail made the performance feel even more complete. Wembanyama did not rely only on size, timing or touch. He also used footwork, patience and memory under pressure.
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