Wembanyama enters 2025 on ridiculous hot streak with one big but underrated stat

Victor Wembanyama is entering 2025 on a tear, solidifying his reputation as one of the most dominant young players in the NBA. His recent stat line over the past few weeks speaks volumes: 29.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 4.9 blocks per game on shooting splits of 48.8/38.5/90.0.

However, amidst his jaw-dropping numbers, one underrated stat stands out—his ability to dominate defensively without racking up fouls. Wembanyama is averaging a staggering 5.5 “stocks” (steals plus blocks) per game while committing just 1.8 fouls.

That level of defensive activity combined with such restraint is practically unheard of. For a player so disruptive, contesting shots at the rim and poking the ball loose on the perimeter, avoiding foul trouble is an exceptional skill that often gets overlooked.

Wembanyama's special talent helps Spurs establish identity

This isn’t a new trend for the Spurs’ phenom. Even as a rookie, Wembanyama showcased remarkable discipline. In his first NBA season, he fouled out just once—against the Los Angeles Lakers in a game where he still managed to drop 30 points.

He only hit five fouls on seven occasions and tallied four fouls just four times. More impressively, he finished 20 games with only one foul and went entirely foul-free in seven contests. That’s not just discipline—it’s basketball IQ at the highest level.

Spurs fans have already grown accustomed to seeing Wemby keep plays alive by swatting shots into his teammates’ hands, leading to fast-break opportunities. But his refusal to gift opponents free points with trips to the line is equally valuable. He currently has almost double the amount of blocks (110) than he does fouls (57).

Fouling unnecessarily not only gives away easy points but also disrupts a team’s defensive rhythm. Wembanyama’s ability to remain a defensive juggernaut while staying out of foul trouble allows him to stay on the floor longer and remain a constant presence for San Antonio.

It’s no coincidence that the Spurs are tied with the Lakers and Celtics for first in the league with the fewest personal fouls per game. Acting head coach Mitch Johnson deserves credit for emphasizing defense without fouling, but Wemby leads the charge on the court. His disciplined approach is a major factor in keeping the Spurs competitive, even against tough opponents.

With a grueling January schedule ahead—one of the league’s top-three most difficult—the Spurs will need Wembanyama’s brilliance more than ever. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor without being sidelined by fouls will be crucial as San Antonio looks to maintain its momentum into the new year.