Three Games, 22 Threes: Is Victor Wembanyama Becoming Unstoppable?

In a thrilling game at home, the San Antonio Spurs triumphed over the Washington Wizards with a 139-130 victory. It was an unforgettable night for Victor Wembanyama, who notched a career-high 50 points along with six rebounds, two assists, three blocks, and one steal. Shooting an impressive 18 of 29 from the field, including a remarkable 8-for-16 from beyond the arc, Wembanyama showcased a new layer of his game, setting multiple records in the process.

At just 20 years and 315 days old, Wembanyama became the youngest center in NBA history to score 50 points, surpassing Shaquille O'Neal's record (set when Shaq was 22 years and 45 days old). This accomplishment also made him the eighth player in Spurs history to reach the 50-point milestone, and the youngest to do so. Remarkably, he now stands as the fourth-youngest player in NBA history to achieve a 50-point game, behind Brandon Jennings, LeBron James, and Devin Booker. Moreover, he became the youngest center ever to hit eight three-pointers in a single game—a feat almost unthinkable for a 7'4" player with a 2.44-meter wingspan.

For Wembanyama, his 50-point game felt inevitable to those following his progress, yet it was the method that surprised fans and analysts alike. The French star achieved this milestone primarily by hitting threes, an area that's been a subject of ongoing debate. In an era when even the game’s tallest players are evolving their shooting skills, Wembanyama has embraced the three-point shot. This season, he’s increasingly been looking beyond the arc, launching some deep, near-logo-range shots. It's a noticeable change from last season when he mainly attacked closer to the basket.

Wembanyama’s season began with inconsistent shooting. Through his first nine games, he connected on only 14 of 62 three-point attempts—a meager 22.6% from beyond the arc. His overall shooting percentage was also underwhelming, with just 41.3% from the field and a true shooting percentage of 52.0%. For a player of his height and potential, such numbers raised concerns. Analysts wondered if he was facing the so-called “rookie wall,” and some even questioned if he could maintain a high scoring rate.

But that narrative has changed dramatically over his past three games. Against the Jazz, Wembanyama dropped 24 points, 16 rebounds, and seven blocks, hitting 6 of 9 from three-point range. He followed up with 34 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists against the Kings, where he went 6 of 12 from three. Then came the game against the Wizards, where he exploded for 50 points and knocked down 8 of 16 from deep. In these three games alone, Wembanyama went 22 of 37 from three, a stark contrast to his early-season slump.

After his recent scoring barrage, his season stats now paint a very different picture. He’s averaging 22.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 3.8 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game, with shooting splits of 47.1% from the field, 34.3% from three, and an impressive 87.2% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage has risen to 59.4%, and his overall performance now hints at the potential recognized by ESPN’s early season rankings, where he was placed 11th in the league.

The contrast with last season is notable. In 2023, Wembanyama averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals, with shooting splits of 46.5% from the field, 32.5% from three, and 79.6% from the line. His true shooting percentage last year was 56.5%. Now, he's not only scoring more efficiently but has increased his accuracy across the board.

A closer look at his shooting evolution reveals significant changes in his playing style. This season, Wembanyama has developed a more versatile game, moving to face up his opponents more often rather than relying on his size to post up inside. The added muscle he gained during the off-season, estimated at around 20 pounds, has likely impacted his shooting touch early in the season, as he adjusted to his new physique. However, his almost 90% free-throw shooting indicates that his touch remains sharp. Now, his scoring bursts suggest that he’s quickly adapting to his physical changes, with a skill growth rate that is almost frightening.

San Antonio’s unexpected improvement this season also provides an encouraging backdrop for Wembanyama’s development. After beating the Wizards, the Spurs currently hold a 6-6 record, a vast improvement from last season's dismal 5-24 start. While the acquisition of veteran Chris Paul has certainly helped stabilize the team, the Spurs’ success will hinge largely on Wembanyama's ability to sustain his recent level of play. This season, Wembanyama has made a visible impact on both ends of the floor, not just through scoring, but also through his presence on defense. When Wembanyama is on the court, the Spurs’ defense is markedly better, allowing only 106.1 points per 100 possessions and posting a net rating of +1.9. Conversely, when he sits, San Antonio allows 114.1 points per 100 possessions, and their net rating plummets to -4.2. His influence becomes even more pronounced in the past three games, where his on-court net rating skyrocketed to +18.3 points per 100 possessions.

With Wembanyama trending upward so quickly, it’s not outlandish to speculate about the potential of him sustaining his three-point accuracy at or above 40%. If he does, the entire NBA may have to reconsider how to defend against a player of his unique build and skillset. A 7'4" center shooting with that level of efficiency from long-range introduces a new kind of nightmare scenario for defenders: a player with the ability to stretch the floor, protect the rim, and score both inside and out. Teams accustomed to defending traditional big men could be forced to rethink their strategies, as the traditional approach simply doesn’t apply to Wembanyama.

Looking forward, it's reasonable to wonder if the Spurs can reach the playoffs. Although the sample size is small, the Spurs have shown glimpses of what could be, thanks in large part to Wembanyama’s emergence as a reliable scoring threat. San Antonio fans have every reason to be hopeful. Wembanyama appears to be transitioning seamlessly into a more dominant role, and if he can maintain his current trajectory, he may soon challenge some of the league’s biggest stars.

As this season unfolds, Wembanyama’s future appears brighter than ever. Whether or not he becomes a consistent 40% three-point shooter, one thing is clear: the rest of the NBA should take notice. A fully realized Wembanyama, capable of scoring from all areas of the floor and anchoring a defense, would represent a unique, and possibly unstoppable, force in today’s league. And with each game, he seems to be getting closer to that reality.