Victor Wembanyama named NBA Western Conference Rookie of the Month three times in a row

SAN ANTONIO – Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama was named the Western Conference Kia Rookie of the Month for March.

The honor is Wembanyama’s third straight, making him the first Spur since Tim Duncan to capture the award three months in a row.

Wembanyama played in 12 games in March, averaging 21.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, a league-leading 3.83 blocks and 1.17 steals in 31.7 minutes to lead all rookies in scoring, rebounding and blocks for the month.

His best game last month came in an overtime win vs. the Brooklyn Nets on March 17. He finished with 33 points, 15 rebounds 7 blocks and 7 assists, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (three times), Charles Barkley (1986) and Joel Embiid (2017) as the only players with 30 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists and 7 blocks in a game.

Wembanyama posted eight double-doubles in March, including a season-high 40 points, 20 rebounds and 7 assists vs. the New York Knicks on March 29, becoming the first rookie with 40+ points and 20+ rebounds since Shaquille O’Neal (1992-93).

He also recorded five 30-plus-point games in March, the most for a rookie in a calendar month since LeBron James in December 2003.

On another Spurs note, point guard Tre Jones on Tuesday was named one of six finalists for the 2023-24 NBA Sportsmanship Award.

The annual honor recognizes the player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the court. Current NBA players will select the winner.