In San Antonio, Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs to a thrilling 122-115 overtime victory against the Brooklyn Nets, ending their three-game losing streak. Wembanyama’s impressive performance included 33 points and 16 rebounds. The game on Sunday night saw him achieving his 36th double-double in just 60 games, showcasing his remarkable talent as a 7-foot-4 rookie center. His stats for the season now include five games with at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, five blocks, and five assists.
During a crucial moment, Wembanyama executed an alley-oop dunk and then blocked Dennis Schroder’s layup attempt, securing the Spurs’ lead at 116-115 with only 38 seconds left on the clock. Schroder, despite this, ended the game with 19 points, while Mikal Bridges contributed 14 points, including a crucial three in the low-scoring overtime.
Keldon Johnson’s 3-pointer, with just 64 seconds left in regulation, pushed the Spurs ahead at 110-107. This shot was part of a significant 17-4 run, which included four straight points from Wembanyama, tying the game. Schroder’s 3-pointer then tied the game at 110 with 16 seconds left, amidst missed shots from Vassell and Wembanyama that could have clinched the game in regulation.
The Spurs also played two games in Austin, aiming to expand their financial reach and fan base. They played in front of sell-out crowds, totaling 32,280 attendees, setting a new attendance record at the Moody Center with 16,223 fans on Friday.
The Nets were without Ben Simmons, who recently underwent his second back surgery in three years. Brooklyn, with a record of 26-41, is now four games behind Atlanta for the 10th spot in the Eastern Conference and the final play-in tournament berth.
San Antonio, with a 15-53 record, is striving to avoid matching its worst franchise record of 20-62 set in 1997. They need to win at least 5 of their last 14 games.
Despite strong starts and finishes by Brooklyn, San Antonio managed to close the gap each time. Thomas, scoring 11 points in the first seven minutes, helped the Nets to an 18-10 lead but was scoreless in overtime. The Spurs managed to tie at 31 despite their struggles from the three-point line, to which Brooklyn responded with a 7-0 run.
Wembanyama had a better start in this game, going 3 for 5 from the field, compared to his 4 for 12 performance and 17 points against Denver in their previous game. He finished the game with 14 for 26.
Looking ahead, the Nets will host New Orleans on Tuesday night, while the Spurs will welcome Dallas on the same night.