Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot-3 French rookie sensation and No. 1 pick of last summer’s NBA draft, achieved historic Triple-Double in just 21 minutes.
Wembanyama showcased his prowess as a playmaker, dishing out slick passes during fast breaks and in the post, as he led the San Antonio Spurs to a resounding 130-108 victory over the Detroit Pistons.
The 20-year-old phenom achieved his first NBA triple-double, amassing an impressive stat line of 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in just 21 minutes on the court. This feat places Wembanyama in elite company, as only Russell Westbrook had achieved double digits in points, rebounds, and assists in a 20-minute performance for the Oklahoma Thunder in 2014.
Notably, Wembanyama’s triple-double came without a turnover, making him the youngest player in NBA history to achieve such a milestone since turnovers were first recorded during the 1977-78 season. Andre Iguodala, who achieved a triple-double at a slightly older age in 2005 with the Philadelphia 76ers, held the previous record.
Expressing humility and determination, Wembanyama emphasized the importance of achieving this milestone within the context of a team victory. “Doing it in a win is everything, of course. This is the kind of statement we want to make as a team, and this is the type of statement I want to make as a player,” he stated.
His stellar performance against the Detroit Pistons added a layer of intrigue to his burgeoning career, considering that the Pistons were among the teams vying for the top pick in the draft lottery last season. Reflecting on the situation, Wembanyama remarked, “It’s weird to imagine a different future and what it could have been.”
As the youngest player in the league continues to make waves, Coach Gregg Popovich acknowledged Wembanyama’s exceptional passing skills, noting that he was already an adept passer before joining the Spurs. With each game, Wembanyama solidifies his status as a rising star in the NBA, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his future performances.