Victor Wembanyama could barely believe what had unfolded during the Spurs’ 130-126 overtime win against the Knicks in San Antonio on Friday.
It was a battle for the ages between Wembanyama and Knicks star Jalen Brunson, with Wemby putting up a career-high 40 points, 20 rebounds and seven assists, while Brunson erupted for a career-high 61 points.
“I’ve never seen so much greatness before,” Wembanyama said postgame. “The season has been going on for just some months. I’ve just witnessed so much greatness and I want to be a part of it.
“I always wanted to, but more and more seeing that I’m already able to compete with those guys. I’m not near, but I’m on the right path. I know it and I’m going to get there and soon.”
Brunson was a little less enthused than Wembanyama postgame, with the overtime loss a bitter pill to swallow.
“It’s great, but it’s washed out with the window with the loss,” Brunson said of his performance. “So, it doesn’t really matter.”
However, Brunson made sure to give Wembanyama credit.
“He’s going to be one of the greatest players this game has seen,” he said. “Just the way he’s built. What he’s been able to do so far. I have a lot of respect for him.”
Brunson himself received some lofty praise, thanks to teammate Donte DiVincenzo.
“He’s special,” DiVincenzo said of Brunson. “I think he’s an All-NBA talent. Even if we didn’t come away with the win tonight, I think what he did tonight showed you that he’s one of the best guards in the East. Every single night, whatever it takes to win, he does that. Tonight, it was almost.”
The Knicks will return to the court when they face the Thunder on Sunday. The Spurs will play the Warriors, also on Sunday.
READ MORE: Victor Wembanyama Reveals True Feelings on His Nicknames