Wembanyama Drops 40 and 13 in 26 Minutes, Hits 65-Game Threshold for MVP and DPOY

Victor Wembanyama didn't just play his 65th game Friday night. He turned it into one of the most efficient performances in NBA history.

The Spurs big man went for 40 points and 13 rebounds in just 26 minutes and 13 seconds against the Mavericks, recording the fastest 40-point/10-rebound/5-assist game ever tracked. He added five assists and two blocks before sitting down for good with 8:35 left in the fourth, the Spurs already up 120-100. Final score: 139-120.

The game was Wembanyama's fifth this season with at least 40 points and 10 rebounds, tying Hall of Famer David Robinson's 1993-94 franchise record. More importantly, it was his 65th game — the magic number that makes him eligible for MVP and DPOY voting. The 65-game rule has been controversial all season, but Wemby played the league's game and checked the box with a signature performance. San Antonio is heading to the playoffs for the first time since 2019, and their franchise cornerstone looks like the best player on the planet.