Wembanyama (40 points, 13 rebounds) hits 65 games as he checks another 'box' - ESPN

SAN ANTONIO — Victor Wembanyama reached the 65-game threshold for postseason awards eligibility on Friday with a 40-point outing that included 13 rebounds, 5 assists and two blocks in a 139-120 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

«I'm sure he'll be sore tomorrow, but he made it out good,» Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said.

Returning from a one-game absence after bruising a left rib Monday against Philadelphia, Wembanyama produced his fifth game this season with at least 40 points and 10 rebounds to tie Hall of Famer David Robinson (1993-94) for the most such games in a season in Spurs history. Wembanyama played 26 minutes to help San Antonio improve to 24-3 since the All-Star break.

Wembanyama grimaced in pain at times and placed a hand on his injured rib. None of that affected Wembanyama's performance. In the first quarter alone, Wembanyama reeled off 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting with five rebounds and a block.

«I tried to protect [the injured rib] as much as possible while still being respectful of the game,» Wembanyama said. «But it was O.K. It didn't bother me that much, just a few times where it was a specific moment or specific hit where it was painful.»

The favorite to win NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Wembanyama expressed relief about reaching the 65-game threshold, calling it «a box that's [been] checked» while also displaying empathy for players such as Cade Cunningham, Anthony Edwards, and Luka Doncic who are ineligible for postseason awards because they haven't played in enough games (Doncic is expected to appeal) due to injuries.

The Frenchman then quickly turned the tables on the reporters in the room.

«Let me ask you a question,» Wembanyama said. «What percentage of the season do you think should be the