NBA: Wembanyama takes charge as Sixers come from behind to beat Charlotte
Victor Wembanyama produced one of his most accomplished performances of the season, scoring 43 points against Minnesota. Driven by their French big man, San Antonio claimed a fourth straight win. Philadelphia, for their part, had to dig deep to get past Charlotte, while Memphis and Houston also made their mark.
Rieltony LOUBOKO · Author profile ·
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Halloween night was particularly eventful on NBA courts. In San Antonio, Victor Wembanyama took charge of his team with a top-class offensive display. Against the Timberwolves, the Frenchman took on shot after shot, setting a personal best of 34 attempts, 17 of them successful.
Wembanyama carries the Spurs
With 43 points, 7 rebounds and 6 blocks, the 22-year-old played a major part in the Spurs' win (121-111). It is the second-highest total of his career, behind the 50 points he scored against Washington in November 2024. Dylan Harper, with 25 points, and De'Aaron Fox, with 22, also contributed to the Texas side's victory.
Minnesota, without Rudy Gobert, who was rested, and Anthony Edwards, who recently had knee surgery, found no answers to contain the French big man. Ayo Dosunmu nonetheless tried to keep his side in the game with 27 points. This fourth straight win allows San Antonio to confirm their return to form after two defeats to start the season.
Maxey rescues Philadelphia in the fourth quarter
In Philadelphia, the game was far more closely fought. Against Charlotte, the Sixers won 109-104 after trailing by as many as 13 points. With LeBron James and Joel Embiid absent, Tyrese Maxey took on the role of offensive leader. The guard scored 38 points, 15 of them in the fourth quarter, to help his side turn the game around.
Anfernee Simons added 19 points off the bench. For the Hornets, Grayson Allen was top scorer with 27 points, ahead of Brandon Miller with 24. The win is Philadelphia's sixth in seven games and lifts the franchise to the top of the Eastern Conference, ahead of Detroit.
Memphis keep rolling, Houston respond
In the West, Memphis continue their perfect start. The Grizzlies beat Sacramento (136-105), with 27 points from Cameron Boozer among others. Despite 38 points from Darius Acuff, the Kings could not keep up. Memphis thus remain the only unbeaten team in the League.
Houston also got back to winning ways after their first defeat of the season, suffered the previous day against Dallas. The Rockets beat Oklahoma City (119-98), a side weakened by several absences. Jabari Smith led the way with 30 points. Marcus Smart added 24, while Alperen Sengün impressed with 16 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists.
Beaten the day before, the Rockets thus avoided back-to-back defeats. The response lets Houston move forward again in this early part of the season.