Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama retires from 50-point burst that leaves teammates in awe | Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama scored a career-high 50 points in a performance that left his San Antonio teammates and the opposition in awe.

Wembanyama shrugged and wondered when he will do better after the Spurs’ 139-130 win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.

“Really, my first thought is, eventually, I want the rest of our performance, the rest of our game to overshadow this one,” said Wembanyama, the top pick in the 2023 draft. “I wish I’ll do it so in the future it’s just another one.”

It is the pragmatism that has allowed Wembanyama to blossom into one of the league’s youngest superstars.

“Very impressive,” Spurs point guard Chris Paul said.

At 20 years and 314 days, Wembanyama is the fourth-youngest player to score 50 points, trailing only Brandon Jennings (20/52), LeBron James (20/80) and Devin Booker (20/145).

“The big guy, man,” San Antonio wing Julian Champagnie said. “I mean obviously that’s not where it’s going to be every night, but when he comes out with that mindset, man, it’s hard to, it’s hard (for the opposition). Big praise to him, big shout out to him. He’s working on his game.

“So we’re super proud of him and that’s what we expect from him.”

Wembanyama was 8 for 16 on three-pointers, establishing a career high after setting and matching that mark with six three-pointers in his previous two games.

Wembanyama got off to a fast start against the Wizards, hitting three-pointers from 25 and 28 feet as the Spurs raced to a 13-3 lead.

“Probably not (played against someone) who does everything at a high level,” Washington center Jonas Valanciunas said. “Those shots, the three-point shots, we did everything to take it away, but he still made them.”

Wembanyama had 24 points in the first half, his highest output in a first half, then matched his highest output for any half with 26 in the final two quarters against the Wizards.

Wembanyama is the first player in league history with 20 three-pointers and 25 blocks over six games.

Wembanyama is the eighth player in San Antonio franchise history to score 50 points in a game. David Robinson holds the franchise record with 71 points against the Los Angeles Clippers on April 24, 1994.

That performance may mean something later, but Wembanyama was already focused on Friday night’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers to open the Emirates NBA Cup.

“I love to celebrate the small wins and the big wins for a short period of time, but tomorrow we are already locked into the Lakers,” Wembanyama said.