Victor Wembanyama becomes a one-man highlight reel in the second preseason game

In the early stages of the preseason, the NBA is already grappling with how to contain Victor Wembanyama.

For some context, the San Antonio Spurs’ top pick, selected as the No. 1 overall in the draft, stands at a towering 7 feet 4 inches, boasts an incredible 8-foot wingspan, and wields ball-handling skills that would make many guards envious. Wembanyama recently embarked on his maiden NBA preseason this week, immediately capturing attention with his dazzling performance, particularly in his first game against fellow towering player Chet Holmgren, where he notched an impressive 20 points.

Wembanyama then had his second preseason outing on Friday against the reigning Eastern Conference champions, the Miami Heat. While the Heat didn’t field their starting lineup, Wembanyama’s performance alone made the game a must-watch.

The rookie sensation concluded the game with a stunning 23 points, shooting at an impressive 10-of-15 from the field, in addition to contributing four rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. However, these statistics fail to fully encapsulate the extraordinary plays that Wembanyama consistently delivered.

Here are the top five remarkable moments Wembanyama showcased in just 23 minutes during the Spurs’ 120-104 victory:

1. Euro-Step Dunk: In a relatively mundane play by Wembanyama’s standards, he engaged in a 2-on-1 fast break, culminating in a contested dunk after executing a Euro-step from the 3-point line.
2. Defensive Denial: Wembanyama showcased his defensive prowess by leaping across the paint to reject a short jumper from Haywood Highsmith, who had assumed he had evaded the Frenchman’s reach as Dru Smith drove into the paint.
3. Step-Back Jumper: Wembanyama demonstrated his finesse by crossing over a defender at the perimeter, executing a step-back move, and nailing a fadeaway jumper from the elbow, making a challenging move appear surprisingly effortless.
4. Incredible Alley-Oop: The rookie initiated a give-and-go with Tre Jones, then sprinted from the 3-point line, intercepted the lob mid-air, and finished the play with an alley-oop that seemed nearly impossible due to the distance covered.
5. Vertical Dunk: Wembanyama astounded with an incredible display of athleticism, launching into a fully vertical jump from beyond the restricted area, and then, employing his remarkable length, completed a left-handed dunk.

Wembanyama’s unique combination of physical attributes and skills is poised to redefine the norm in the NBA. The league has never witnessed a player with his extraordinary frame and capabilities, making the San Antonio Spurs a must-watch team for the foreseeable future.