Victor Wembanyama’s 52-point game sparks Wilt Chamberlain comparisons

Victor Wembanyama draws Wilt comparison after 52-point game.

On Wednesday night, the San Antonio Spurs center did something no NBA player has done since Wilt Chamberlain in 1961.

Wembanyama finished with 52 points, 24 rebounds and 8 blocks in a 112-111 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

It was the first stat line of its kind in the league since Bob McAdoo in 1974.

His teammate Dylan Harper summed it up in one sentence: "He basically Wilt."

The comparison is not hyperbole.

Chamberlain once averaged 50.4 points per game in a single season and once scored 100 points in a game.

But Wembanyama's combination of scoring, rebounding and shot-blocking at that volume has only been matched by one man in NBA history.

Here is the full breakdown of what happened.

WEMBANYAMA'S BOX SCORE

Wembanyama shot 16-of-28 from the field and 19-of-23 from the free-throw line.

He made just 1-of-8 from three-point range.

He added 2 assists, 2 steals and just 1 turnover.

He also hit the game-winning free throw.

The performance pushed the Spurs to a 6-2 record and their sixth straight win after dropping the first two games of the season.

Wembanyama's season average now sits at 29 points per game, fourth in the NBA entering play Thursday.

THE WILT CONNECTION

Wilt Chamberlain played from 1959 to 1973.

He holds the NBA single-game scoring record of 100 points.

He once averaged 50.4 points per game in the 1961-62 season.

Chamberlain also holds the record for most rebounds in a game with 55.

But the specific combination of 52 points, 24 rebounds and 8 blocks has not been seen since Chamberlain did it in 1961.

That is 65 years ago.

The last player to come close was Bob McAdoo in 1974, but McAdoo did not reach all three thresholds in the same game.

Wembanyama is the first to hit those exact marks in over six decades.

FANTASY BASKETBALL HISTORY

Wembanyama scored 110 points in Yahoo High Score fantasy basketball.

That ties the record for the most points ever in that format, matching Bam Adebayo's 83-point game from last season against the Wizards.

In points leagues, Wembanyama scored 112.8 points.

Both totals are the highest seen this season and among the highest ever recorded.

THE COOPER FLAGG MATCHUP

The game drew extra attention because it featured two of the most hyped young players in the league.

Wembanyama, 21, is the reigning Rookie of the Year and already an All-Star.

Cooper Flagg, 19, is the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and is widely considered the future face of U.S. basketball.

Flagg had a rough night.

He finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 turnover.

But he shot 7-of-19 from the field and 0-of-3 from three-point range.

He started the game 1-for-11 from the floor.

Wembanyama blocked Flagg twice during the game and scored an and-1 over him in a critical moment.

It was a reality check for the young star, who has had a phenomenal start to the season but was outplayed in every facet by Wembanyama.

SHAQ AND CHARLES BARKLEY'S REACTION

Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley, both Hall of Fame big men, were at a loss for words after watching Wembanyama's performance.

O'Neal called it "just ridiculous."

Barkley described it as "sick."

Both men have been critical of Wembanyama in the past, questioning his durability and consistency.

But after this game, they had no criticism.

"He basically Wilt," Harper said again after the game, repeating the comparison that has now gone viral.

HOW WEMBANYAMA DID IT

Wembanyama's game has evolved significantly since he entered the NBA.

He has developed a technique on defense where he hangs on an opponent's hip and waits for them to rise for their shot before he jumps.

This ensures the shooter's attempt is not altered by Wembanyama's presence before the release.

Then, because of his 8-foot wingspan, he can easily match the shooter at the point of release and block the shot.

This technique led to a majority of his 8 blocks on Wednesday night.

On offense, he used his height to shoot over defenders, drew fouls at the free-throw line, and finished through contact.

He struggled from three-point range but dominated everywhere else.

THE MAVERICKS' MISSING PIECE

The Mavericks entered the game without their star guard Kyrie Irving, who is out with an injury.