Victor Wembanyama Channels Inner Kobe Bryant to Put Away Streaking Thunder

The San Antonio Spurs recently faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder. With Shai-Gilgeous Alexander and Chet Holmgren leading the charge, fans were looking for the Thunders to make another addition to their six-game win streak. What they should have expected, however, is the giant force that is Victor Wembanyama. The rookie player finished the game with an astonishing 28 points, 13 rebounds, 5 blocks and 7 assists. Along with that, he made 2 steals on 9/17 FG and 5/7 3P. Through his recent performance, Wembanyama becomes the first athlete in NBA history to score 25 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 blocks, and five 3-pointers in a single game.

During the post-game press conference, Wembanyama highlighted that the way he performed during the 4 quarter was not something he would have even imagined a month ago. When asked whether his key to success has more to do with the mental or physical aspect, the rookie used the example of Kobe Bryant to emphasize the importance of the mental aspect. “To win a game, he (Kobe) mostly took big shots because they don’t call it any fouls” said Wembanyama. “So it’s not as much the physical battle”.

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This recent press conference was not the first time Wembanyama publicly highlighted his affection towards the late Lakers star. When he was just another considerable candidate for the NBA draft, Wemby stated during an interview with L’Equipe that he was an “absolute fan” of Kobe Bryant. Just like many fans and players, both current and former, Wembanyama was deeply affected in the aftermath of the helicopter crash that claimed the life of not only Kobe Bryant but also that of his daughter Gianna.

“I think about him almost every day since his death,” said Wembanyama during the interview. “Following his example every day, I try to push my limits. When I suffer, when I have doubts, I often wonder what Kobe would have done. And I know I would have done more.”

How is Victor Wembanyama fairing during his rookie season?

Victor Wembanyama was expected to be among the most highly anticipated prospects during the recent NBA draft. Even before he could play his first game, fans knew that this player would take the world of professional basketball by storm. Looking at everything he has done this season, the French prodigy seems to have met all the expectations.

Out of the 54 games in which he has appeared in during the regular season, Wembanyama has averaged 20.7 points, 10.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists. His career-high performance during a game in November helped him to become the third teenager in NBA history to put up at least 35 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks in a game, placing him in the same rank as LeBron James and Kevin Durant. At the start of 2024, he continued to dominate and set new records, placing himself as the frontrunner to win the NBA Rookie of the Year title.

It is safe to say that if Kobe Bryant was alive today, he would have been proud to have his name be associated with the likes of Victor Wembanyama.