Inside The Spurs

Spurs' Victor Wembanyama Scores Inaugural Monthly Accolade

In 16 games, the second-year player led the league with 3.56 blocks per game and 57 total blocks while averaging 1.31 steals in October/November.

Scott Salomon

December 1, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots the basketball against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center.
December 1, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots the basketball against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. / Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
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San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama has been named the first-ever Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month, for October/November.

On Sunday evening, Wembanyama recorded this third triple-double, all before his 21st birthday, which he does not celebrate until next month.

Wembanyama has gone from an up and coming talent to a full-fledged star in only his second season. He has accomplished this feat within his first 100 games.

The Spurs posted on X, their congratulatory message to the former No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Last season, Wembanyama was the first rookie to be named to the NBA All-Defensive Team.

Opponents shot 104-262 from the field last month when guarded by Wembanyama as he held a 39.7% defended field goal percentage. Within four feet of the rim, teams took 3.3% fewer shots when Wembanyama is on the floor. They shot just 38.2% within four to 10 feet from the basket, according to the NBA.

In 16 games to start the season, Wembanyama led the league with 3.56 blocks per game and 57 total blocks while averaging 1.31 steals in October/November.

Wembanyama also accounted for 45.9% of the Spurs total blocks since the season started in late October.

The Frenchman’s 103.8 defensive rating helped anchor the Spurs to an eighth-ranked defense and has put them among the top three shot-blocking teams in the league. 

Led by Wembanyama, the Spurs are currently 7-2 when holding opponents under 110 points and have recorded five-or-more steals in every game this season, their second-longest such streak to begin a season over the last 30 years and tied third-best in the NBA this season.

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Scott Salomon
SCOTT SALOMON

Scott Salomon joined On SI in April 2024 covering breaking news and analysis for the Miami Dolphins site, and has since contributed to the Miami Heat, Back in the Day NBA, Miami Hurricanes and San Antonio Spurs sites. Scott is based in South Florida and has been covering the local and national sports scene for 35 years. He's covered and has been credentialed for the Super Bowl, the NFL Combine, various Orange Bowls and college football championship games. Scott was also credentialed for the NBA All-Star game and covered the Miami Heat during their first six seasons for USA TODAY. Scott is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Communication and the St. Thomas University School of Law. Scott has two sons and his hobbies include watching sports on television and binge watching shows on various streaming services.

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