Victor Wembanyama opened the season with a 1-for-13 shooting performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder, prompting questions about his offensive rhythm. The San Antonio Spurs center responded by becoming his own harshest critic, vowing to return to the basketball he enjoys. Over the next seven games, Wembanyama averaged 31.4 points, 12.2 rebounds and 4.3 blocks on 52% shooting, leading the Spurs to six consecutive victories after an 0-2 start.
Historic Performance Against Dallas
On November 5, 2026, Wembanyama delivered a career-high 52 points, 24 rebounds and eight blocks in a 112-111 win over the Dallas Mavericks. He scored the Spurs' final seven points and 11 of their last 13, including the game-winning free throw. The line made him the first player since Bob McAdoo in 1974 to record at least 50 points, 20 rebounds and five blocks in a game; filtering for eight blocks leaves only Wilt Chamberlain in the pre-blocks-stat era. Wembanyama also became the only player in history with multiple 40-point, five-block games before age 23, and the fourth player ever to post 200-plus points and 30-plus blocks through the first eight games of two straight seasons, joining Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson and Patrick Ewing.
The transformation stems from a deliberate shift in shot selection. Through eight games, Wembanyama is attempting 10.1 shots per game in the restricted area and 12.0 in the paint, up from 6.0 and 8.9 last season. His dunk attempts have nearly doubled to 5.1 per game, putting him on pace to shatter Rudy Gobert's single-season record of 302. He now takes 42% of his shots within three feet, compared to 33% a year ago.
San Antonio has adjusted its offense to initiate pick-and-rolls lower on the floor, allowing Wembanyama to catch the ball a single turn from the rim. He frequently positions himself in the dunker's spot or at the free-throw line for alley-oops and self-lobs, exploiting his unmatched vertical reach. While his 3-point percentage sits at 24% and his mid-range (10-16 feet) at 28%, the threat of his outside shot maintains spacing. The increased interior presence has also drawn more fouls; he made 19 free throws against the Mavericks, showcasing a more traditional, dominant center profile.
Wembanyama's previous 50-point game in 2024 relied on eight made 3-pointers; Wednesday's outburst came on 15-of-20 shooting inside the arc. The Spurs' six-game winning streak and Wembanyama's historic statistical accumulation suggest his refined shot diet is translating into both individual brilliance and team success.
