ATLANTA (AP) — Victor Wembanyama has officially joined an elite group in the NBA, marking his 100th consecutive regular-season game with at least one block during the San Antonio Spurs’ impressive 126-98 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night.
Wembanyama was a pivotal force in the game, leading the team with 26 points, 12 assists, and two blocks. He made a spectacular defensive play by rejecting a shot from Hawks’ Dyson Daniels with just over five minutes left in the third quarter, sending the ball soaring off the backboard. He capped off his performance by swatting away a layup attempt from rookie Asa Newell.
This remarkable streak began in his rookie season, with his last regular-season game without a block dated January 10, 2024, against the Detroit Pistons. Only two players in NBA history can claim a longer streak: Patrick Ewing, who recorded 145 consecutive games with at least one block, and Dikembe Mutombo, who had 116 games. Mutombo ranks second all-time with 3,289 career blocks, just behind Hakeem Olajuwon, who holds the record at 3,830. Blocks have been an official NBA statistic since the 1973-1974 season, and Wembanyama is well on his way to rewriting the record books.
This season alone, Wembanyama has already amassed 51 blocks. After missing 12 games due to a calf strain he sustained during a loss to the Golden State Warriors on November 14, he made a triumphant return on December 13 in the NBA Cup semifinals, leading the Spurs to a thrilling 111-109 victory over the Thunder with 22 points.
With a stellar record of 20-7, the Spurs achieved their 20th win well over a month earlier than last season. Wembanyama and his teammates are set to face off against the Washington Wizards on the road this Sunday night before returning to San Antonio to take on the Thunder again. The momentum is unmistakable, and the Spurs are ready to make a significant impact this season.
