Wembanyama reaches 65-game eligibility mark with 40-point effort as Spurs top Mavericks
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SAN ANTONIO – Victor Wembanyama cleared the NBA’s 65-game threshold for postseason award consideration on Friday, piling up 40 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and two blocks in the San Antonio Spurs’ 139-120 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
The 22-year-old rookie, returning after missing one game with a bruised left rib, logged 26 minutes and notched his fifth performance this season with at least 40 points and 10 rebounds. That ties Hall of Famer David Robinson’s 1993-94 franchise record for the most such games in a single campaign.
“I’m sure he’ll be sore tomorrow, but he made it out good,” head coach Mitch Johnson said.
Wembanyama scored 16 points on 6-for-8 shooting in the first quarter alone, even as he occasionally grabbed at his injured side. “I tried to protect it as much as possible while still being respectful of the game,” he said. “It didn’t bother me that much, just a few specific hits where it was painful.”
The win moved San Antonio to 24-3 since the All-Star break.
‘Box checked’ on awards eligibility
The French center acknowledged relief at surpassing the league-mandated 65 games, calling it “a box that’s checked.” He also expressed empathy for players such as Cade Cunningham, Anthony Edwards and Luka Doncic, who currently fall short of the requirement; Doncic is expected to appeal.
Turning the conversation toward reporters, Wembanyama asked what percentage of the season should determine eligibility. After hearing suggestions ranging from 75% to 80%, one reporter proposed eliminating the limit altogether because total minutes can better reflect impact.
“That’s a good way to put it,” Wembanyama replied, offering a quick calculation: “A guy who plays 50 games at 35 minutes a game is 1,750 minutes. If someone plays 75 games at 20 minutes, that’s 1,500 minutes.” He later added that 75% of games—about 62—“would be logical,” but predicted the league would not adjust the rule this season.
The Spurs close the regular season Sunday against the Denver Nuggets.
Source: ESPN
