In a recent game between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks, rookie Victor Wembanyama found himself in hot water after celebrating a remarkable performance. Wembanyama was fined $25,000 by the NBA for tossing a basketball into the stands at the end of the game, which the Spurs won 130-126 in overtime.
Wembanyama's standout performance included 40 points, 20 rebounds, and seven assists, marking the first time an NBA rookie achieved such a stat line since 1974. This impressive display of skill solidified Wembanyama's status as a top contender for the Rookie of the Year award.
On the opposing side, Knicks guard Jalen Brunson had a historic game as well, scoring 61 points – the second-highest scoring game in Knicks history. The ball that Wembanyama tossed into the stands became a valuable piece of memorabilia, promptly retrieved by a ball boy working the Knicks' bench.
This game also made NBA history as only the second instance where one player recorded a 40-point, 20-rebound game while another player scored 60 points. The previous occurrence took place in 1961 when Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain achieved remarkable scoring feats.
Wembanyama, the top overall pick in the previous year's draft, has been showcasing his talent throughout the season, averaging 21 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. His finesse on the court has garnered widespread attention and admiration from fans and analysts alike.
