Victor Wembanyama Impresses NBA Fans Despite Spurs' Loss to Jayson Tatum, Celtics

Victor Wembanyama's first visit to TD Garden didn't go as he had hoped.

Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics took down Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs 117-98 on Wednesday night to extend their home record to 20-0 and their NBA-best record to 32-9.

Wembanyama had a solid performance despite the loss, finishing with 27 points, five rebounds, one assist and one block in 27 minutes.

However, it should be noted that Kristaps Porziņģis didn't play due to knee soreness and the Celtics most often stuck bench players Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta on Wembanyama. It's worth wondering how the Frenchman would have faired against a tougher defender in Porziņģis.

That said, Wembanyama has been on a minutes restriction, and what he was able to accomplish on Wednesday night in Boston was nothing short of impressive.

Wembanyama's performance on Wednesday night generated some well-earned praise from NBA fans as he notched 25-plus points for the third straight game:

While the Spurs, now 7-33 on the season, continue to plummet in the Western Conference standings, Wembanyama has been a bright spot for the franchise as he provides a glimmer of hope and a glimpse into what the future may look like.

The 2023 No. 1 overall pick is having a solid rookie season. He entered Wednesday's game averaging 19.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 3.2 blocks in 34 games while shooting 45.9 percent from the floor and 29.2 percent from deep.

Wembanyama is firmly in the Rookie of the Year race alongside Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren, and he still has the second half of the season to prove why he deserves the honor.