The checkmark is in place. In a game where Wembanyama required just 20 minutes to qualify for NBA playoff accolades, he provided voters another reason to take notice of him, Yankee Scores reports.
Wembanyama hit the 65-game mark needed for postseason awards on Friday night. He finished with 40 points, along with 13 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks. The Frenchman led San Antonio to defeat the Dallas Mavericks 139-120.
The Spurs’ head coach, Mitch Johnson, added, “I’m sure he’ll be sore tomorrow, but he came out fine.”
That Friday night feeling 🥳 pic.twitter.com/7SAblvj6yT
— San Antonio Spurs – x (@spurs) April 11, 2026
Tying a Legend: The David Robinson Record
The young star was sidelined by an injury to his left rib against Philadelphia on Monday. It was his fifth 40-point, 10-rebound game in the season. The Frenchman tied the all-time record held by Hall of Famer David Robinson (1993-94). Wembanyama played 26 minutes in the game. He contributed to the Spurs’ win, which made their total score in the season since the All-Star break 24-3.
Although he seemed uncomfortable sometimes, and even touched his rib during the game, it did not affect his performance. The Frenchman scored 16 points in the first quarter alone, hitting six of eight shots and grabbing five rebounds and blocking one shot.
65-Game Threshold
The Defensive Player of the Year favorite, Victor Wembanyama, admitted that he felt relieved about reaching the threshold of 65 games, noting that it is “a box that’s been checked.” Then he expressed empathy for those who missed postseason awards due to insufficient games played, mentioning names like Cade Cunningham, Anthony Edwards, and Luka Doncic (he is going to appeal).
Afterwards, Wembanyama switched to talking to journalists. They talked about what number of games should be considered for postseason awards. The consensus was that 75%-80% was reasonable. Someone said there should be no limit to playing time at all, as games played do not necessarily mean much.
