PHOENIX – The NBA has seen dominant centers, elite scorers, and game-changing defensive anchors, and Victor Wembanyama is increasingly looking like all three in one player. The San Antonio Spurs superstar delivered another historic performance Monday night, recording 40 points, 11 rebounds and nine blocks in just 25 minutes during a 122-96 victory over the Phoenix Suns.
Nov 2, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (right) defends against Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Wembanyama speaks about historic performance in Phoenix:
Full postgame interview with Victor Wembanyama following his 40-point performance in Phoenix against the Suns.
Wemby opens up about his evolution as a player, the lessons he took away from his NBA Finals run, and his goal of becoming the most dominant center in the league: https://t.co/cWv4qpbnSj
— Ben Bliklen (@benbliklen) November 10, 2026
His performance was particularly remarkable because of its historical significance. Wembanyama became just the second player since minutes were first tracked in 1951-52 to score at least 40 points in fewer than 26 minutes. Sleepy Floyd accomplished the feat in 1991. However, the numbers only tell part of the story. At 7-foot-4, Wembanyama combines unusual ball-handling ability with perimeter shooting, interior scoring, and defensive instincts. His crossover and behind-the-back dribble against Phoenix rookie Khaman Maluach before finishing an uncontested layup illustrated a skill set that traditional defensive matchups struggle to contain.
Nov 2, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; San Antonio center Wembanyama (right) against Phoenix guard Booker at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
For the Suns, that creates a particularly difficult problem. Phoenix cannot simply prioritize protecting the paint when Wembanyama can score from the perimeter and create opportunities off the dribble. Devin Booker recognized the challenge, finishing with a team-high 32 points while acknowledging Wembanyama’s extraordinary instincts.
Dec 3, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix guard Booker (right) against San Antonio center Wembanyama in the first half of an NBA Cup game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
For Phoenix, the loss exposed the difference between having an elite scorer and facing a player capable of controlling both ends of the floor. For San Antonio, it offered another glimpse of a potential championship centerpiece. The question is no longer whether Wembanyama can dominate; it’s whether anyone can consistently make him uncomfortable. Last night for the Suns was a huge glimpse into where they are, and where they are trying to be.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
