San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama was a block away from recording a rare point-rebound-block triple-double, tallying 40 points, 11 rebounds and nine blocks, as the Spurs took out the Phoenix Suns, 122-96, on Monday at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
The 7ft 4ins center went 15-of-19 from the field, including two of three from the three-point line, and eight of 10 from the free-throw line in 25 minutes on the court.
Suns head coach, star player in awe of Wembanyama’s ability
Wembanyama, who is on his fourth season with the Spurs, was unstoppable on both sides of the court and made Suns head coach Jordan Ott throw away his defensive gameplan on the Spurs center, as he realized it does not work on him.
In a post-game interview, Ott could not hide his disbelief on the French center’s talent which made him virtually unguardable when he is on the court.
“He just does it from all three levels right now and then anytime he has a switch, they just literally throw the ball to the top of the backboard (for a dunk),” Ott said.
“When that starts, it’s so deflating and it’s tough to overcome. But he does it to everyone.”
The French generational talent had already recorded two point-rebound-block triple doubles in his career, with the last being in the Spurs’ 104-102 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the 2026 Western Conference Semifinals on May 4.
Wembanyama put up 11 points, 15 rebounds and 12 blocks.
Suns five-time All-Star Devin Booker also admired how the 22-year-old center is a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.
Booker, who led Phoenix’s offense with 32 points, said that Wembanyama’s “never before seen” talent and his instincts are off the charts.
He considers Wemby as a tough matchup because he is altering shots if he can’t reach the ball for a block.
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Wemby’s 40-11-9 game come five days before big night against Dallas
Wembanyama’s “otherworldly” performance comes five days after he recorded career-highs of 52 points and 24 rebounds against the Dallas Mavericks.
The Frenchman said after his superb game that he feels that he is close to his optimal strength and that is something other teams should be wary about.
“I should keep the physically amazing things for the amazingly difficult situations, not the day to day,” a grinning Wembanyama said.
“Opponents can’t really put me in a situation where I can’t answer, so now all I have to do is not beat myself.”
That statement normally does not come from a young 22-year-old player, but as a superstar and his team being a championship contender, he is aware that he needs to mature as an important piece for the Spurs, who fell short in the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks.
San Antonio head coach Mitch Johnson feels that his star slotman is naturally allowing the game to unfold by placing himself in an advantageous position to execute better in scoring opportunities and his teammates know how to fully utilize that advantage.
The Spurs have won nine straight games after starting the 2026-27 regular season on a 0-2 slate.
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