SAN ANTONIO — It was another historic night for San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama Monday night in Toronto.
In the team's win over the Raptors, Wembanyama recorded another triple-double with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 blocks on the night. He also added five assists.
With that performance, he became the fifth player in NBA history to have a game with 25-plus points, 10-plus rebounds, 5-plus assists, and 10-plus blocks.
And if that is not enough, he also joined franchise legend David Robinson as an NBA rookie to record a triple-double with blocks since "The Admiral" accomplished the feat in 1990.
"It's great company to have my name next to him," Wembanyama said following the Spurs' win.
Despite Wemby's appreciation of joining Robinson in the rare feat, he does admit he didn't know much about the Hall of Fame center growing up in France, but he is learning more about him now that he is a Spur.
"Not much growing up. It's before my time," he said. "Since I'm with the Spurs, I've learned a little bit about him. I watched a little bit of tape.
Wemby will be impressed if he sees a video of Robinson's triple-double.
Against the Hornets on Feb. 2, 1990, he recorded 27 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 blocks in 35 minutes.
Wembanyama did not just join Robinson; he also joined another legendary center: Hakeem Olajuwon.
After Monday night, Wembanyama became the first player since Olajuwon (April 13, 1996) to record a stat line of at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, 10 blocks, and five assists in a single game.
"Obviously, he's (Wembanyama) an all-around talented player. Has a great feel for the game," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "It shows in a variety of ways. Whether it's passing or making decisions, blocking shots, it doesn't matter."
Considering this is his rookie season, it leaves many to wonder just how high is his NBA ceiling.
He's already accomplished so much in his rookie campaign.
He became the second Spurs player in the last 40 years to record at least 15 points, five rebounds, and two steals in his NBA debut. He is ranked in eight rookie categories, including the top spot for rookie scoring, blocks, and rebounds.
Also, he crossed the 500-point plateau by scoring 30 on Dec. 17 in his 27th NBA game.
And that is just scratching the surface of what he has done this season.
However, as much as Wembanyama understands what he did against the Raptors, he also understands what it means for the franchise.
Ultimately, he is proud of what he did because he did it in a Spurs uniform and believes that is what makes his performance special.
"It counts even more since it's family. It's from the Spurs," he said.
Aside from joining Robinson in the rare statistical feat, he also joins him among the first players to have 100-plus points, 40-plus rebounds, and 10-plus blocks in his first five career games, and one of four players to reach 45 points, 20 rebounds, five assists, five blocks, and five steals through their first three career games since 1983-84 (Robinson did it in 1989).