Wembanyama takes charge as Spurs snatch win over Dallas
Victor Wembanyama produced one of the standout performances of the NBA season so far. With 52 points, 24 rebounds and 8 blocks, the Frenchman carried the San Antonio Spurs to a tightly fought win over the Dallas Mavericks (112-111) on Wednesday. A monster display that confirms his growing influence in the Texan side.
Rieltony LOUBOKO · Author profile ·
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It took a big night from Victor Wembanyama to get the Spurs out of Dallas's trap. In a game that stayed undecided until the end, the French centre took control of his team, driving the offence at every turn while imposing his presence in the paint. At just 22, he reached a new milestone by raising his personal best to 52 points, surpassing the 50 he scored in 2024.
But his contribution went well beyond scoring. With 24 rebounds and 8 blocks, the Frenchman also had a huge impact on the defensive end. At half-time he already had 29 points, 15 rebounds and 5 blocks. That impressive workload allowed San Antonio to withstand the Mavericks' pushes and protect a narrow lead after 48 minutes.
Wembanyama did, however, get valuable support from his young team-mates. Dylan Harper, with 21 points, and Stephon Castle, with 17, played their part in a win that came down to the wire. At the other end, Kyrie Irving tried to keep Dallas in the hunt with 29 points, but could not prevent defeat.
The victory lifts the Spurs to six wins from eight games. Beyond the result, the performance of their French big man confirms that he has become a central piece of the Texan project.
Philadelphia take top spot in the East
The night in the NBA also saw the Philadelphia 76ers win on the floor of the Detroit Pistons (112-106). In a clash between two teams near the top of the Eastern Conference, Philadelphia could count on Jaylen Brown, the game's top scorer with 30 points, and Joel Embiid, who contributed 26.
Tyrese Maxey also helped the cause with 19 points, while LeBron James added 13 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists. Despite 27 points from Duncan Robinson and 26 from Cade Cunningham, Detroit could not turn the tide. The Sixers thus strengthen their grip on first place with eight wins and one defeat, ahead of the Pistons, who now have six wins and two losses.
In the other games, the New York Knicks comfortably beat Chicago (135-105), with 33 points from Jalen Brunson. Oklahoma City got past Cleveland (124-116), led by 42 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Luka Doncic, meanwhile, scored 40 points to guide the Los Angeles Lakers to victory over Sacramento (116-103). Finally, Boston withstood a Milwaukee comeback to win 109-102, despite a spectacular Bucks surge in the third quarter.