San Antonio Spurs fans are likely still on cloud nine after watching superstar Victor Wembanyama obliterate the Dallas Mavericks in the season opener. His 40 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 blocks were the talk of the NBA world, with Wembanyama's performance going viral, and with many salivating over his dominance.
However, he also had a small share of critics. There was Shaquille O'Neal, who took a light jab at Wembanyama by stating that Bol Bol could have had a similar performance.
Never mind that Bol is currently out of the NBA. Then there was a guest on the latest Kevin O'Connor podcast. He essentially brushed off Wembanyama's monster performance as something that has been done and is to be expected for a player as tall as him.
“Given his physical advantages, Victor Wembanyama should score 50 points a game.” -@SpikeEskin https://t.co/M0HBdbhFrI pic.twitter.com/RtEqDPsTAH
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnor) October 24, 2025
I know, I know, calm down, y'all. His take was completely delusional. Anyone who watched that masterpiece performance knows what they saw. Wembanyama absolutely cooked the Mavericks, making Anthony Davis look like he couldn't guard a chair in the process.
If Wembanyama plays at even 80% of the level he displayed in Dallas, well then, the NBA is absolutely screwed.
Victor Wembanyama's improvement is a game-changer for the Spurs
Entering the season, the Spurs were expected to be in the play-in mix. Things may have changed, however. If Wembanyama continues to play anywhere like he did against Dallas, San Antonio could be a top-five team in the Western Conference.
Going from having the seventh-worst record in the NBA last season to being a top-five team in a loaded Western Conference would be quite the turnaround. It could even bolster a potential MVP case for Wembanyama.
Although his having clearly grown in terms of height has helped his play on the court, he's also playing completely differently. Last season, he often spent time spotting up from beyond the arc and also led all centers in three-point attempts with 8.8 per game.
This season, he attempted just two against the Mavericks and only averaged 2.0 3-point attempts per game in the preseason. Last season seemed to be about getting him comfortable taking threes in the NBA, while this season clearly appears to be about him getting higher percentage shots in the paint.
Both obviously have their benefits, but his focus on scoring more inside the arc will only help expand his offensive game.
Victor Wembanyama is realizing his full offensive potential
Wembanyama shot a staggering 58.6% on two-pointers last season on 9.9 attempts per game. If he were to take closer to 15 shots a game inside the arc with similar efficiency and more free throws, then that would make him virtually unstoppable.
Factor in his ability to space the floor, and teams wouldn't have a defensive answer for stopping Wembanyama. That could mean more 40-point games in his future, with him still having plenty of untapped offensive potential that he is beginning to realize.
That would fly in the face of the aforementioned criticism of his monster performance and make the Spurs true contenders this season.