Victor Wembanyama's historic rookie season continues to defy expectations, and now a fascinating rule quirk has kept him in the running for the NBA's biggest postseason awards. Despite playing only 64 regular-season games—one shy of the league's much-debated 65-game minimum for award eligibility—the San Antonio Spurs phenom remains eligible for MVP, All-NBA, and Defensive Player of the Year honors.

The key lies in the NBA's In-Season Tournament. According to league rules, Wembanyama's two appearances in the NBA Cup finals last December—a semifinal win over Oklahoma City and a final loss to New York—count toward his game total. This technicality pushes him over the threshold, a loophole that has sparked fresh debate about the award criteria.

This rule interpretation creates a stark contrast. While Wembanyama is eligible with 1,866 minutes played, superstars like Luka Dončić and Cade Cunningham, who logged more minutes but fell short of the 65-game mark, are not. The disparity ensures the 65-game rule will remain a hot topic for Commissioner Adam Silver and the league office this offseason.

For Wembanyama and the Spurs, however, it's a fantastic break. It recognizes his monumental impact in leading San Antonio to a 62-20 record, their best in a decade, and a second-place finish in the brutal Western Conference. Even while managing his workload, Wemby's case for individual honors is as towering as his 7-foot-4 frame, keeping his remarkable rookie campaign in the awards conversation right to the very end.