Victor Wembanyama scores 40 points and sets a new record to join Shaquille O’Neal

The French prodigy broke his points record with 40 points to help the San Antonio Spurs dominate (130-126 after overtime) the New York Knicks on Friday in the NBA.

Victor Wembanyama never ceases to surprise. At 20 years old, he even became the first “rookie” (beginner) to accumulate more than 40 points and 20 rebounds in a game since Shaquille O’Neal in 1993. Despite the San Antonio Spurs’ gloomy 2023-2024 fiscal year, last in the West with only their 18th victory of the season, Friday March 29, “Wemby” achieved individual feats, in the midst of the collective slump.

His personal best already dated November 2, 2023, an eternity in the NBA, when he compiled 38 points to beat Kevin Durant’s Phoenix Suns. Friday, the 2.24 m Frenchman, with unique agility for his size, stole the show from Knicks leader Jalen Brunson, who scored 61 points, his record, one unit shy of his franchise record held by Carmelo Anthony (62 points in 2014).

“I have seen so many beautiful things [en NBA]I want to be part of itlaunched Wembanyama, No. 1 in the 2023 Draft. I always wanted it, but it’s even more the case now that I see that I can already fight with these players. I’m not close [du sommet] but I’m on the right track. I know it, I will get there soon.”.

“He’s special.”, admitted his coach Gregg Popovich, at the head of a rebuilding team which hopes to quickly return to the forefront in the wake of its phenomenon. Before dreaming of a better ranking next season, Victor Wembanyama should return to the French team this summer to shine at the Paris Olympic Games (July 26-August 11).