San Antonio Spurs rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama stood especially tall Monday night. He recorded a triple-double with 10 blocks, 27 points and 14 rebounds as the Spurs secured a 122-99 victory in Toronto to end a seven-game losing streak.
The 7-foot-4 Frenchman is only the fourth rookie in NBA history to record a triple-double with blocks. No other first-year player has pulled the feat since 1990.
“I felt great today,” the 20-year-old said after the game. “Great rhythm, started the game strong. I guess it’s just the NBA, you know. We’ve got ups and downs in terms of shape, and today was an up day.”
Monday’s performance marked the first triple-double with blocks since 2021.
“He did a little bit of everything,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “Obviously he’s an all-around, talented player. He’s got a great feel for the game and it shows in a variety of ways, whether it’s passing or making decisions, blocking shots.”
Wembanyama, the top pick in the 2023 NBA draft, leads the league in blocked shots this season with 153.
“I guess it’s not on the scouting report that he can block a shot,” Spurs teammate Devin Vassell said. “I guess they’ll learn one of these days.”
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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