Victor Wembanyama Posts Nearly Identical Stat Line to Tim Duncan in Spurs Debut

It started slow, as No. 1 overall pick and Spurs center Victor Wembanyama got into some early foul trouble in his NBA debut, a home loss to the Mavericks.

But it ended up OK for Wembanyama, who finished his first NBA game with 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, with two assists.

Know who else had 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting with two assists in his NBA debut? That’s right, ex-Spurs power forward Tim Duncan. And it’s safe to say he went on to have a pretty strong career.

These matching stat lines were pointed out on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back show, featuring The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Michelle Beadle and former NBA players Lou Williams and Chandler Parsons.

The Spurs’ Gregg Popovich coached Duncan and is still on the bench to do the same with Wembanyama. He indicated he’s pleased with what he saw.

“One of the toughest things for a player is you get into foul trouble,” Popovich said. “You never get in a rhythm and you’re in and out of the game and that sort of thing. So, I thought his maturity showed even at a young age where he came in with the last, I think, seven minutes and just played.”

By the way, Mavs star guard Luka Doncic erupted for 33 points in the win. That’s nothing new.

“It was fun,” Doncic said. “We knew the whole building was going to be loud. (Wembanyama is) probably one of the best prospects to enter the NBA. It was fun. For me, personally, I love challenges. So, that was a fun challenge.”

Missed today's episode? Catch up now!

🏀 Victor Wembanyama's Debut
🏀 Chicago Bulls Drama
🏀 Cavs vs. Nets

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— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) October 26, 2023