If there was any player in the NBA capable of putting up 50 points, 20 rebounds and five blocks in the same game, it was Victor Wembanyama. And even that 7-foot-4 phenom nicknamed the "Alien" hadn't put up such an otherworldly stat line... until last night.
Wembanyama set career-highs Wednesday with 52 points and 24 rebounds in the San Antonio Spurs' win over the Dallas Mavericks. He also blocked eight shots, becoming the first player with a 50-20-5 line in those categories since Bob McAdoo in 1974.
For anyone who thought there was no way the 22-year-old could get any better, I'm afraid to say this is proof he can... and it's happening.
CAREER NIGHT FOR VICTOR WEMBANYAMA 🚨 🤯 52 PTS (CAREER-HIGH) 🤯 24 REB (CAREER-HIGH) 🤯 8 BLK FIRST PLAYER WITH
50+ PTS, 20+ REB, 5+ BLK SINCE BOB MCADOO IN 1974. pic.twitter.com/lHzUhYYSTz
— NBA (@NBA) November 5, 2026
Sure, Wembanyama had scored 50 in a game before last night. And it wasn't his first 20-rebound game either. His career-high in blocks is actually 10. But Wednesday was the first time he did all those things in the same game. It highlighted what appears to be an improved motor and more aggressive mindset. Which is terrifying, because Wembanyama was already doing things we'd never seen before. Now, it seems, he'll just do them more often.
It's only been eight games, but the impact of Wemby's growth on the Spurs this season is already apparent. According to PBP Stats, San Antonio's offense is 13 points better with Wembanyama on the floor, and the defense is 21 points better. Those are giant leaps from last season's NBA Finals team that was seven points better on offense and nine points better on defense.
Wembanyama's increased aggression is also showing in his counting stats, which are up across the board. He's averaging career-highs at 29 points on 21.9 field goal attempts, 12.4 rebounds, 4.5 blocks and 1.4 steals. His shooting splits are down, but it hasn't negatively impacted the 6-2 Spurs just yet.
The only thing left for Wembanyama to do is harness that aggression into better efficiency. Even in Wednesday's historic performance, he was just 1-of-8 on 3-pointers.
Which means he has even more room to grow... scary, I know. But continued development is a normal expectation for any fourth-year player, including one who's already been an MVP finalist and Defensive Player of the Year. For all the incredible things Wembanyama has accomplished, we haven't even seen his prime yet. Let that sink in a moment.
🐦⬛ Ravens trade for Jacoby Brissett
The Ravens are finalizing a deal to acquire Jacoby Brissett from the Arizona Cardinals, according to reports, finding their stopgap quarterback with Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley both injured.
FTW graded the deal favorably for Baltimore, because the team had to do something with the playoffs still in reach. However, oddsmakers aren't convinced Brissett moves the needle enough to make a difference.
Jaguars-Ravens: Anytime TD predictions for Thursday night
But one thing we can all agree on: this is great news for Zay Flowers.
Quick hits: Midterm reactions ... NFL Week 9 picks ... and more
- Texans tight end Dalton Schultz had a fiery message for Greg Abbott after his election loss.
- Steve Kerr trolled Donald Trump after the midterms over his Election Day pledge.
- FTW's expert staff picks against the spread for NFL Week 9.
- Robert Zeglinski cleared up for ESPN's Chris Canty how much more the Bears mean to Chicago than MJ.
- Colts wide receiver Josh Downs put on an unwarranted diva act over his stalled trade talks.
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This article originally appeared on For The Win: Victor Wembanyama is still ascending and it’s terrifying
