Victor Wembanyama delivered a historic performance despite battling illness and an ankle injury, scoring a career-high 52 points and collecting 24 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Dallas Mavericks 112-111 in a thrilling NBA encounter on Wednesday night.
The French superstar also registered eight blocks, producing one of the most dominant individual performances of his career while helping San Antonio extend its winning streak to six games.
Wembanyama made NBA history in the opening half, recording 29 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks. He became the first player since the league’s play-by-play era began in 1996-97 to register at least 25 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks in a single half.
Despite his remarkable numbers, the 7-foot-4 center insisted that he still has room for improvement.
“I can still do more,” Wembanyama said. “I mean, my shots weren’t falling tonight and that forces me into a style of play that is exhausting. I can do it. I mean the proof is here. I can do it, but I can be much better if my shots fall. I know it’s just a matter of time.”
Wembanyama shot 16-of-28 from the field, including seven dunks, although he converted just one of his eight three-point attempts.
His dominance was evident from the opening minutes as he scored 10 of San Antonio’s first 12 points and finished the opening quarter with 15 points and nine rebounds.
The Spurs star continued his defensive brilliance in the second quarter, producing three blocks within 13 seconds during a single Dallas possession.
However, San Antonio suffered a scare in the fourth quarter when Wembanyama rolled his ankle after stepping on Walter Clayton Jr.’s foot.
He briefly left the court before returning with just over six minutes remaining.
Spurs guard Dylan Harper praised his teammate’s resilience, declaring, “He’s Superman.”
Wembanyama’s return proved crucial as he scored two putbacks in the closing stages and converted a free throw with 24 seconds remaining to establish the final margin.
Dallas had an opportunity to snatch victory, but Kyrie Irving missed a 15-foot jumper with three seconds left.
Wembanyama later revealed that he had been struggling with a virus during San Antonio’s recent winning run.
“I haven’t been feeling great lately,” he admitted, adding that he finally felt his strength returning.
Having averaged 32.5 points during the Spurs’ six-game winning streak, Wembanyama has strengthened his case for another Western Conference Player of the Week award.
“The goal is to get it every week,” he said.
