San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama needed to play at least 20 minutes in his team’s final two games for end-of-season awards eligibility. He returned from a one-game absence due to a bruised rib on Friday to dominate the Dallas Mavericks.
In just 20 minutes, he tallied 30 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, prompting fans to react.
One fan wrote:
“Casual 20 minutes.”
Another fan added:
“Most insane statline ever for someone playing 20 minutes.”
One more fan continued:
“U would’ve thought he was neva injured. Really ma goat.”
Another fan commented:
“Then he came back in and dropped 40!”
One fan tweeted:
“MVP. DPOY.”
Wembanyama was in danger of missing regular-season awards after colliding with Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George on Monday. The 7-foot-4 Frenchman grimaced in pain when he tried to run, forcing the Spurs to keep him in the locker room to start the second half of that game. Wemby, who did not return, also sat out Wednesday’s 112-101 win against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The MVP contender received the green light to play a few hours before the Spurs hosted the Mavericks. After playing for 20 minutes to accomplish his goal, he went to the bench for a brief rest. Wemby returned to continue obliterating the visiting team.
Victor Wembanyama ended the night with 40 points on 14-for-23 shooting, including 2-of-7 shots from behind the arc. He also made 10 of 11 free throws to get his tally. Wemby added 13 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal in just 26 minutes.
The Spurs’ franchise cornerstone has made a strong case for winning the MVP over the favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Play-in Tournament To Decide Playoff Opponent for Victor Wembanyama, Spurs
Despite a sizzling stretch since February (29-3), Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs were unable to overtake the OKC Thunder for the best record in the NBA. Assured of the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, the Spurs are heading to the playoffs for the first time in six seasons.
Wemby and Co. will await the team that emerges with the No. 7 seed via the hellish play-in tournament. The Phoenix Suns, who will likely be the top team in the pre-playoff format, could be the Spurs’ opponent.
Regardless of who they will face, Victor Wembanyama and his teammates are excited to challenge the best in the Western Conference.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball and college baseball.
