Victor Wembanyama delivered a performance for the ages Wednesday night, erupting for a career-high 52 points, 24 rebounds, 8 blocks, and 2 steals to power the San Antonio Spurs past the Dallas Mavericks, 112-111, for their sixth straight victory.
Despite battling a virus and briefly rolling his ankle in the fourth quarter, the 22-year-old French superstar refused to be denied.
Wembanyama became just the second player since blocks became an official NBA statistic in 1973-74 to record at least 50 points, 20 rebounds, and 5 blocks in a single game. The last player to accomplish the feat was Bob McAdoo in 1974 — more than five decades ago!
Wembanyama wasted no time taking over, posting an unbelievable 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks before halftime. His historic first-half performance helped San Antonio build a commanding 68-51 lead.
But Dallas wasn’t going down without a fight.
Led by Kyrie Irving’s 29 points and an inspired effort from rookie Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks erased a 19-point deficit and stormed ahead 103-100 in the fourth quarter.
With the game hanging in the balance, Wembanyama stepped up when his team needed him most. He delivered crucial baskets down the stretch before knocking down the go-ahead free throw with just 24 seconds remaining.
Irving had one final opportunity to steal the victory, but his contested jumper missed at the buzzer, sealing a dramatic 112-111 Spurs win.
San Antonio improves to 6-2 on the season, riding a six-game winning streak behind its generational superstar.
