Victor Wembanyama put on a show Thursday night, scoring a career-high 42 points and dominating in overtime to lift the San Antonio Spurs to a 133-126 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.
The 19-year-old phenom was nearly unstoppable, shooting 13-for-24 from the field and drilling 7-of-15 from beyond the arc. He also contributed six rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and two steals in a complete all-around performance.
Wembanyama took control in overtime, scoring eight of the Spurs’ 14 points in the extra period. His combination of length, skill, and poise proved too much for Atlanta, which fell short despite strong performances from De’Andre Hunter, Trae Young, and Jalen Johnson.
Hunter led the Hawks with 27 points, while Young notched a double-double with 23 points and 16 assists. Johnson added 22 points, continuing his strong season. But the Hawks couldn’t overcome Wembanyama’s brilliance or San Antonio’s balanced offensive attack.
The Spurs had significant contributions from Devin Vassell, who scored 23 points in his first start of the season after returning from offseason foot surgery. Jeremy Sochan added 20 points, and Chris Paul chipped in with 12 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter and overtime. Paul’s veteran savvy was pivotal down the stretch, highlighted by a crucial four-point play that sent the game into overtime.
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The closing moments of regulation were nothing short of electrifying. Atlanta and San Antonio traded four consecutive 3-pointers in the final 90 seconds, with Young, Vassell, and Johnson all hitting clutch shots. Paul’s dramatic four-point play gave the Spurs a 119-118 lead with 57 seconds remaining, swinging the momentum in San Antonio’s favor.
San Antonio also showcased resilience after trailing by 11 points in the first half. The Spurs opened the second half on a blistering 25-14 run, taking an 85-80 lead and setting the stage for a tightly contested second half and overtime.
Mixed Bag for Hawks
For the Hawks, it was a mixed bag. While their stars shined offensively, Dyson Daniels struggled, managing just four points on 2-for-6 shooting after entering the game averaging 13.4 points. Daniels did contribute with five rebounds and two assists but was unable to make a significant impact.
Wembanyama, on the other hand, continued to make history. His 42-point performance marked his 13th career game with 30 or more points in just 92 career outings. He entered the game averaging 23.7 points this season, an improvement from his impressive 21.4 points per game as a rookie.
The win was a statement for the Spurs, who finally had their projected starting lineup intact for the first time this season with Vassell’s return. The chemistry between Wembanyama, Vassell, and Sochan gave San Antonio a glimpse of what their future could hold as they look to build momentum.
Looking ahead, both teams face quick turnarounds. The Hawks will host the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night, seeking to bounce back and maintain their place in the playoff picture. Meanwhile, the Spurs will remain at home to take on the Portland Trail Blazers, aiming to capitalize on their newfound rhythm.
Thursday night’s game was yet another reminder of Wembanyama’s generational talent. His ability to dominate on both ends of the floor, combined with the Spurs’ improving roster, makes them a team to watch as the season progresses. For the Hawks, it was a hard-fought battle, but stopping Wembanyama in crunch time proved to be an impossible task.