Victor Wembanyama didn’t just show up for the Spurs’ bounce-back win over the Bucks-he made history while doing it. In his first game since debuting a freshly shaved head, Wembanyama delivered a performance that reminded everyone why he’s already one of the league’s most feared rim protectors.
And if the new look was meant to signal a reset, it worked. San Antonio rolled to a 119-101 win, and Wemby was at the center of it all.
Early on, there was a scare. Wembanyama banged knees with Giannis Antetokounmpo-a moment that had Spurs fans holding their breath.
Fastest players to 500 career blocks since 1973-74:
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 16, 2026
🚫 121 games — Manute Bol
🚫 124 games — David Robinson
🚫 136 games — Mark Eaton
🚫 143 games — VICTOR WEMBANYAMA pic.twitter.com/RiNdSUGATp
But the 7-foot-4 phenom shook it off, returned to the floor, and finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks. And those two rejections weren’t just routine stat-padding.
They pushed him over the 500-block mark for his career, a milestone only three players in NBA history have reached faster: Manute Bol (121 games), David Robinson (124), and Mark Eaton (136). Wembanyama did it in just 143.
That’s elite company. And when you consider the context-today’s NBA is built around spacing, shooting, and perimeter play-it makes what Wembanyama is doing even more impressive.
Rim protectors don’t rack up blocks like they used to, largely because guards and wings are smarter about avoiding shot-blockers in the paint. But Wemby?
He still gets his. Opponents know he’s lurking, and it still doesn’t matter.
His timing, instincts, and absurd wingspan make him a one-man no-fly zone.
This wasn’t just a strong individual outing-it was a statement win for a Spurs team that needed to reset after a loss to the Thunder. San Antonio came out with purpose, building a 37-point lead by the end of the third quarter. The Bucks may have trimmed the deficit late, but the game was never in doubt.
More important than the final score, though, was Wembanyama walking off the court healthy. For a Spurs team that’s building around his generational talent, keeping him upright and close to 100 percent is the top priority. Nights like this-where he dominates on both ends and adds another line to his already historic résumé-are just a glimpse of what the future could look like in San Antonio.
If this version of Wemby is what we’re getting in 2026, the rest of the league better be paying attention.