Victor Wembanyama has been navigating a tricky patch lately, dealing with some ankle soreness after a standout performance against the Boston Celtics. On March 10, he dazzled with 39 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks, leading the San Antonio Spurs to victory. However, the aftermath saw him sidelined for the next game against the Denver Nuggets.
As the Spurs prepared to face the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night, Wembanyama was listed as questionable. Fortunately for Spurs fans, he made his return and quickly dispelled any lingering worries about his ankle. His performance reaffirmed that his injury was nothing more than a minor hiccup.
After the game, Wembanyama emphasized the importance of maintaining his physical health as the season progresses. He’s got his eyes on some big prizes, aiming for both the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) awards.
"Right now, in my mind, is taking great care of my body because I also want to win the MVP and the DPOY," Wembanyama stated. "So I'm trying to press the gas from now until the end of the season."
Wembanyama is a top contender for the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year, on track to lead the league in blocks for the third consecutive season. During his rookie year, he earned All-Defense honors and was a close runner-up for DPOY after playing 71 games. Last season, missing the 65-game threshold kept him from clinching the title.
This year, Wembanyama is flirting with that same threshold but has a three-game cushion to work with. His stats are impressive beyond just scoring, boasting averages of 11.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.0 steals, and 3.0 blocks per game.
In the showdown against the Hornets, Wembanyama further solidified his case with a stellar performance: 32 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and four blocks, leading the Spurs to another victory. His determination and skill are making waves, and his pursuit of greatness is one to watch closely as the season unfolds.