Victor Wembanyama had the best game of his career on Wednesday night, and it still almost was not enough. He put up 52 points, 24 rebounds and 8 blocks in San Antonio, career highs in points and rebounds, and the Spurs needed every bit of it to hold off Dallas 112 to 111.
The first half alone was history. Wembanyama had 29 points, 15 rebounds and 5 blocks by halftime, the first player to reach at least 25, 10 and 5 in a single half since the league started tracking play by play in 1996. By the end of the night he was the first Spur ever with a 50 point, 20 rebound game, and only the second player with at least 50 points, 20 rebounds and 5 blocks since blocks became an official stat in 1974. The other one is Bob McAdoo, 52 years ago.
I wish I set better screens towards the end and made more free throws.
Victor Wembanyama, to ESPN after the game
Dallas erased a 19 point deficit in the second half and tied it at 111 with 1:41 left. Wembanyama, who had been automatic at the line all night before a few late misses crept in, hit the free throw that won it with 24 seconds left, his 52nd point. Kyrie Irving missed the last shot for the Mavericks. Dylan Harper added 21 for San Antonio, which has now won six straight.
