Victor Wembanyama was always expected to reach this level, and the only real question was how quickly.

Still in just his third season, the San Antonio Spurs star already finds himself in the MVP race—the first of what should be several—with the Spurs’ surge up the standings.

San Antonio is 46–17 and sits second in the Western Conference after winning 14 of its last 15 games. A year ago, the Spurs were still figuring things out. Now, they are among the league’s legitimate championship contenders.

Interestingly, Wembanyama’s numbers are slightly down compared to last season. Yet the Spurs are winning far more games, thanks in part to an improved supporting cast. Nonetheless, Wembanyama’s impact is unquestioned and San Antonio will only go as far as he takes them.

His performance in their most recent game, a thrilling comeback win over the Los Angeles Clippers, captured his impact perfectly.

Wembanyama finished with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks as the Spurs erased a 25-point deficit to win by five points, 117–112. With the game hanging in the balance, he contested a missed three-pointer by Kawhi Leonard, sprinted down the floor, and finished with an uncontested dunk to take the lead with 16 seconds remaining.

That two-way sequence changed the course of the game and has become more common from Wembanyama.

San Antonio had trailed by 23, 75–50, in the third quarter before mounting the rally. Wembanyama’s presence was central to the comeback, particularly on defense where his rim protection stifled the Clippers’ offense.

At just 22 years old, Wembanyama is already arguably the league’s top defensive player and his growing offensive game will only help push him up the MVP race–and maybe even into the presence of the all-time greats–in the years to come. He has proven that he can do practically everything on the court over his first three seasons and it is quite fascinating to think that he is still only scratching the surface of his full potential.

This season’s MVP race is a crowded one though. The two most recent winners, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić, have strong cases once again. Cade Cunningham and Jaylen Brown are also making serious pushes for the first time in their careers.

Wembanyama belongs firmly in the MVP race now and has a compelling case to win it already this season. San Antonio’s rise has made sure of it, and if the Spurs continue winning at this pace, it will be impossible to keep him out of the MVP conversation—not only this year, but for many more to come.