Victor Wembanyama achieves rare ‘5×5’ line for the second time in his career and more from around the NBA

Victor Wembanyama showcased his exceptional talent once more, recording his second career “5×5” game as the San Antonio Spurs triumphed over the Utah Jazz 106-88 on Thursday night. The rookie sensation delivered a stellar performance, accumulating 25 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, five steals, and five blocks. This remarkable achievement places him among an elite group, making him just the third player in NBA history to achieve multiple 5×5 games, joining legends Hakeem Olajuwon and Andrei Kirilenko.

A 5×5 game is a rare feat in the NBA, requiring a player to tally at least five in five different statistical categories. Wembanyama previously accomplished this against the Los Angeles Lakers in February, where he scored 27 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, dished out eight assists, and recorded five steals and five blocks.

Reflecting on his performance, Wembanyama emphasized the need to elevate his standards. “It tells me I need to get my standards up when I don’t get 5x5s because I am able to help my team in all those areas,” he stated to Tom Osborn of the San Antonio Express-News. He expressed his desire to make such performances more consistent, acknowledging their importance for the team’s success.

In addition to Wembanyama’s standout performance, veteran Chris Paul contributed significantly, finishing the game with 19 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. With this victory, the Spurs improved their season record to 2-3, while the Jazz continued to struggle, falling to 0-5, despite Collin Sexton leading their scoring with 16 points.

Ja Morant’s Triple-Double Propels Grizzlies

In another thrilling matchup, Ja Morant delivered a spectacular triple-double, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a decisive 122-99 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Morant’s impressive stats included 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists, showcasing his playmaking ability with an unforgettable seated alley-oop pass that resulted in a dunk from Santi Aldama in the second quarter.

When asked about the remarkable assist, Morant admitted, “I don’t ever think I did, honestly. I guess there’s a first time for everything.” Aldama added to the Grizzlies’ success with 19 points and nine rebounds, helping the team bounce back after a two-game losing streak.

The Bucks, meanwhile, experienced their fourth consecutive loss, having initially started the season strong with a win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 37 points and 11 rebounds, but Damian Lillard struggled offensively, scoring only four points on 1-of-12 shooting, including 0-for-6 from beyond the arc. Head coach Doc Rivers acknowledged the team’s defensive shortcomings, stating, “The defensive transition was still awful tonight. So that’s on me, everything is on me until we get it right.”

WEMBY! 😱🎃 pic.twitter.com/biGipEqE6H

— NBA (@NBA) October 31, 2024

Suns Make Stunning Comeback Against Clippers

In an exhilarating finish, the Phoenix Suns overcame a staggering 21-point deficit in the second half to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 125-119. Devin Booker was the driving force behind the comeback, scoring 40 points while shooting an impressive 61.1% from the field, including five three-pointers. Royce O’Neale and Kevin Durant also contributed, with O’Neale netting 21 points and Durant adding 18.

For the Clippers, James Harden notched a triple-double, tallying 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists, while Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac chipped in with 23 and 22 points, respectively. Despite the loss, the Clippers showed resilience, but their record now stands at 2-3, while the Suns improved to 4-1.

Banchero Out Indefinitely

In a concerning development for the Orlando Magic, star forward Paolo Banchero has been ruled out indefinitely due to a torn right oblique sustained in a recent game against the Chicago Bulls. The Magic announced he will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks. Banchero, the 2022-23 Rookie of the Year, was having a standout season, including a remarkable 50-point game earlier this week, becoming the second-youngest player in NBA history to achieve such a feat alongside a 10-rebound, five-assist game.

Thursday Night’s Scores

Here are the full scores from Thursday night’s games, with winners bolded:

• San Antonio Spurs 106-88 Utah Jazz
• Memphis Grizzlies 122-99 Milwaukee Bucks
• Phoenix Suns 125-119 Los Angeles Clippers
• Houston Rockets 108-102 Dallas Mavericks