It’s Victor Wembanyama’s world.
The rest of the NBA is just trying to keep up.
Stat-sheet-stuffer Wembanyama has led the San Antonio Spurs to the first 5-0 start in their 59-year history as they prepare to meet the host Phoenix Suns on Sunday night.
“It’s not random,” Wembanyama said after a 107-101 victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday. “We didn’t get those five wins randomly. We worked for it.
“We started this season strong, and we need to keep that streak going for as long as possible.”
Perhaps no one has started as strongly across the board as the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama, who entered Saturday’s games leading the league in rebounding (14.6 per game) and blocked shots (4.8 per game) while his five double-doubles share the NBA lead with Denver’s Nikola Jokic. He also ranked eighth in scoring (30.2 points per game).
He is the second player in NBA history to average at least 30 points, 14 rebounds and four blocked shots through the first five games of a season since 1973-74, when blocks became an official statistic, according to ESPN Research. The Buffalo Braves’ Bob McAdoo did it in 1975-76 on his way to a runner-up Most Valuable Player finish.
Wembanyama showcased it all against Miami — 27 points, 18 rebounds, six assists and five blocked shots. He reached the 25/15/5/5 plateau for the third time in his career, trailing only icons David Robinson (eight) and Tim Duncan (six) in Spurs’ history.
He played a season-high 39:42 against the Heat, with season highs in rebounds and assists.
“It was a physical game on both ends,” said Spurs coach Mitch Johnson. “For him to (play) 40 minutes at that level of consistency and efficiency was very impressive.”
Wembanyama has produced at least one blocked shot in 90 straight games, the fourth-longest streak in league history. For those who observe, he also leads the NBA in fantasy points per game.
The Spurs are shooting 50.7% from the floor, one of six teams above 50% through Friday’s games, and lead the league with their plus-13.8 rebound differential.
Guards Devin Vassell, Stephen Castle and Dylan Harper are combining for 50 points per game and have provided perimeter support with 29 3-pointers.
“Honestly, tired of losing,” said Vassell, one of four former first-round picks in the Spurs’ starting lineup.
The Suns looked tired of losing in their 118-96 runaway victory over the Utah Jazz on Friday, which broke a four-game losing streak. They ran to a 24-point lead in the second quarter and the Jazz never climbed closer than 10.
The Suns committed a season-low 12 turnovers and held the Jazz to 37.5% shooting from the field.
“Our energy, our pressure,” said Suns coach Jordan Ott. “We talked about it, setting the tone early.”
Devin Booker had season highs in points (36) and 3-pointers (six) against the Jazz to lead five Suns in double figures.
“We’ve got to do that every night, just find ways to figure out how the games are being played and being the first to the fight,” Booker said. “I think we’ve been playing really hard. I think we just need to play a little bit smarter sometimes.”
Booker has scored at least 31 points in each of the last four games, and he was one assist short of his second double-double.
The Suns played without forward Dillon Brooks (core muscle strain) and Jalen Green (hamstring) on Friday, and their status remains unclear. Green has not played this season.
