Victor Wembanyama, the rookie sensation of the San Antonio Spurs, has achieved something that only 14 other players have done in NBA history: a 5×5 game.
A 5×5 game is when a player records at least five points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks in a single game. It is a rare feat that showcases a player’s versatility and impact on both ends of the floor.
Wembanyama, who is only 20 years old, posted a monstrous stat line of 27 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, five blocks and five steals in 31 minutes of action against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night. He also shot 7-16 from the field and 10-11 from the free-throw line.
Das beste aus Wembys 5×5 pic.twitter.com/W2i2KYxmOS
— Len Werle (@RealLennyCarlos) February 24, 2024
The French phenom became the youngest player ever to record a 5×5 game, beating the previous record held by Andrei Kirilenko, who was 22 years old when he did it in 2006. He also did it in the fastest time, beating the previous record held by Marcus Camby, who did it in 34 minutes in 2007.
Wembanyama’s performance was not enough to prevent the Spurs from losing 112-105 to the Lakers, who were led by LeBron James’ 30 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. However, it was a clear sign of Wembanyama’s potential and talent, which have drawn comparisons to some of the best big men in NBA history.
After the game, James had nothing but high praise for Wembanyama.
“He doesn’t have a ceiling,” James said. “He can do whatever he wants to do with his career. It seems like he loves the game, he plays hard, he plays smart and he’s very skilled. He’s a special talent.”
Wembanyama has credited his teammates and coaches for his rapid development and success. He has also expressed his gratitude and humility for being able to play in the NBA.
“I’m just trying to learn every day and improve every game,” Wembanyama said. “I’m very thankful for this opportunity and for the trust that the Spurs have given me. I’m not satisfied with what I’ve done so far. I want to keep working hard and help the team win.”
Wembanyama will have another chance to showcase his skills and help the Spurs snap their six-game losing streak when they face the Utah Jazz on Sunday night. The Spurs are currently 11-46, the worst record in the Western Conference and the second-worst in the NBA. However, with Wembanyama as their cornerstone, the future looks bright for the Spurs.
As you can imagine, NBA Twitter also was in awe over Wemby’s insane performance, and reacted accordingly:
Give him both ROTY and DPOY
— BGN Hoops (@BGNHoops) February 24, 2024
Genuinely think he could get a quadruple double one day.
— Hesh (@HeshComps) February 24, 2024
Him and Luka battling chips is gonna be a sight to see
— BeastBron (@bronisabeast) February 24, 2024
Wemby just did something that only MJ has done.
Back-to-back 5-STL, 5-BLK games. pic.twitter.com/EV9nRNIwEn
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 24, 2024
Wemby did the thing on the second night of a back to back after coming one assist short of doing the thing lol
— Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) February 24, 2024
Over 131,350 NBA games have been played, and there have only been 22 5×5 games
Wemby just turned 20 years old, and he was 1 assist away from having back-to-back 5×5 games
The greatest rookie of all-time pic.twitter.com/9EX1nFZitU
— Spurs Culture (@SpursCulture) February 24, 2024
“Before the game I told my teammates, ‘Wemby is gonna get a 5×5 tonight’” pic.twitter.com/ZmkM1YOgEc
— KENNY BEECHAM (@KOT4Q) February 24, 2024
Pop says he met with Wemby after breakfast this morning in LA to review film of last night’s game in Sacramento.
After a while, Pop says, “I was done, but he wasn’t. He wanted more.”
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) February 24, 2024
Future DPOY,MVP,5 Championship,face of the the league.
— Sky (@Skyxemperor) February 24, 2024
Victor Wembanyama is the future of NBA
Note this now— Adé ♂️️ (@shurley_bankz) February 24, 2024
Wembanyama is 20, this fuckery won’t go on for much longer, thank god
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) February 24, 2024
