New look, same impact: Wembanyama surpasses Giannis

Victor Wembanyama continues to redefine the NBA’s defensive benchmarks. In the convincing San Antonio Spurs win over the Milwaukee Bucks (119-101), the French phenom delivered a performance that went beyond the box score, reaching a statistical milestone reserved for only a select few in league history.

And he did it on a night with strong symbolic value as well: his first game after the loss to OKC, which ended with a decision as curious as it was meaningful.

Shaved head, reset mindset

On the eve of the game, Wembanyama and Keldon Johnson showed up with a completely new look. Shaved heads for both – a choice that started almost as a joke but quickly turned into a statement.

Last night Vic told me, ‘Hey, let’s shave our heads.’ I said, ‘OK, let’s do it.’ I was just looking for an excuse to do it,

Keldon Johnson

A gesture that accompanied an immediate response on the court, especially from a mental and defensive standpoint.

Scare with Giannis, then the on-court response

The game didn’t start ideally. In the opening minutes, Wembanyama had a knee-to-knee collision with Giannis Antetokounmpo, creating a brief moment of concern on the Spurs’ bench.

No serious consequences followed: San Antonio’s No. 1 returned quickly and finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

Two blocks that carry far more weight than they might seem.

500 blocks in 143 games: Wembanyama like Robinson

With those two blocks, Wembanyama reached 500 career blocks in just 143 NBA games, becoming the fourth-fastest player ever to hit that mark.

Ahead of him are only three legendary names:

• Manute Bol (121 games)
• David Robinson (124)
• Mark Eaton (136)

A figure that carries even more significance when placed in the context of today’s NBA, increasingly oriented toward perimeter shooting and less toward rim protection.

Dominating the rim in an NBA that avoids it

Modern offenses tend to avoid the paint, especially when an elite rim protector is waiting. Yet Wembanyama keeps piling up blocks with remarkable ease. Timing, reads, and lateral mobility allow him to impact plays even away from the basket, confirming a status that’s already crystal clear: he’s one of the league’s best rim protectors, regardless of age.

It’s not just about numbers, but about impact: his presence alters opposing offensive decisions before the play even begins.

Spurs dominant: Milwaukee overwhelmed

The game was effectively over early. San Antonio took control in the first two quarters, pushing the lead to as much as +37 by the end of the third quarter. Total command, without the need to force anything late.

The most positive note, beyond the result, concerns Wembanyama’s health. Seeing him finish the game without limitations is crucial for a franchise that is building much of its future on his continuity.