SUMMARY
- Victor Wembanyama recorded four blocks against Nikola Jokic during the Nuggets vs Spurs game.
- The Nuggets walked away with a victory and Jokic claimed he threatened Wembanyama not to block him.
There’s no arguing that Victor Wembanyama is possibly having the greatest rookie season ever. Ahead of the 2023 NBA Draft, there were a lot of concerns surrounding his build and ability to take damage. But from what we’ve seen thus far, the San Antonio Spurs rookie has most of his opponents scared to guard him. We know of his incredible versatility, but his defensive numbers have been off the charts this season.
Recently, the Spurs took on the Denver Nuggets. Many claimed this was a Wilt Chamberlain vs Bill Russell matchup of this generation between Wemby and Nikola Jokic. Impressively, the Frenchman had four blocks on Jokic alone.
Nikola Jokić was asked if he said anything to Victor Wembanyama after dunking on him.
He said he told Wemby: “If you block one more shot, I’m gonna…”
“But he blocked like four after that, so I didn’t do anything about it.” pic.twitter.com/dVqQ3W4lww
— Matt Brooks (@MattBrooksNBA) April 3, 2024
After the game, Jokic revealed he told the rookie, “Yeah I told him, ‘If you block one more shot, I’m gonna [do something].’ But he blocked like four after that, so I didn’t do anything about it.” Ultimately, the former league MVP recorded 42 points to secure a victory for the Nuggets. They have assumed the top spot in the Western Conference.
Victor Wembanyama asserts himself in the history books
We were all prepared to see Victor Wembanyama have incredible highlights or possibly a couple of dominant performances. But with how currently plays, it is a little overwhelming to know that he might be LeBron James‘ replacement once the veteran retires. Victor currently leads the entire league in blocks averaging 3.4 per game. He currently ranks sixth in most blocks recorded by a rookie.
Victor Wembanyama has more career blocks than 86.6% of all players in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/nGhBL6ssO5
— StatMamba (@StatMamba) April 3, 2024
Another interesting statistic after the game was that the Spurs rookie has more blocks than 86.6% of players in the history of the NBA. Considering that he’s already averaging over three blocks per game, his stats are bound to increase. All Wemby would have to do is maintain a seasonal average above three and he’ll easily surpass Hakeem Olajuwon by the end of his career. But that also depends if Wemby plays for 18 seasons or more.
Victor Wembanyama nearly recorded the fifth quadruple-double in NBA history
We have had multiple two-way juggernauts step on the floor in the past. Olajuwon, David Robinson, Nate Thurmond, and Alvin Robertson were a few players who either dominated both ends of the floor or had great potential at times. It has been thirty years since the last quadruple-double was recorded. And the four legends mentioned above are the only players to have ever recorded the rare stat line.
While playing against the Nuggets, Victor Wembanyama recorded 23 points, 15 rebounds, 8 assists, and 9 blocks. He was incredibly close to recording the fifth quadruple-double in NBA history. However, the Spurs superstar has enough time left in the league to chase that stat line.