The San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama delivered a masterclass in 26 minutes of playing time against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night. He was returning from a rib injury that had sidelined him in the Spurs’ previous game and put his end-of-season award eligibility in doubt.
Wembanyama suffered a rib contusion on Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers and was forced to exit early. He missed the game against the Portland Trail Blazers and was listed as questionable heading into Friday before ultimately suiting up.
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The 22-year-old dominated, posting 40 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, one steal, and two blocks in just 26 minutes, shooting 14-of-23 from the field and 2-of-7 from three. He led the Spurs to a 139–120 win over Dallas while achieving multiple historic milestones.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) looks to pass the ball while defended by Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell (7) during the second half at Frost Bank Center.Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
According to the NBA, Wembanyama recorded the fastest 40-point, 10-rebound, five-assist game in league history, doing so in just over 26 minutes. He also tied David Robinson for the most 40-point, 10-rebound games in a single season in Spurs history with five, all while still managing the rib injury.
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“If I’d had 65 [games] before, I would, for sure, not have played,” Wembanyama said postgame.
The two-time All-Star needed at least 20 minutes in this game to meet the NBA’s 65-game eligibility requirement for end-of-season awards, which he has now achieved. He is currently the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, potentially becoming the first Spurs player to earn the honor since Kawhi Leonard in 2016.
Wembanyama is also in the MVP conversation, though recent polling suggests Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the frontrunner. However, that does not diminish the remarkable season the Spurs star has put together, one that both began and may have ended with 40-point performances against Dallas.
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In 65 games, Wembanyama has averaged a career-high 25 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, along with 3.1 assists, 3.1 blocks, and one steal. He is shooting 51.2% from the field and 34.9% percent from beyond the arc.
His dominant play has sparked dynasty talk in San Antonio, especially with a promising young core that includes Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper. With Friday’s win, the Spurs improved to 62–19 on the season and clinched the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, reaching the 60-win season for the first time since the 2016-17 campaign.
Related: Victor Wembanyama Makes NBA History Against Warriors
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.