Victor Wembanyama scores career-high 52 points as Spurs edge Mavericks
Victor Wembanyama delivered a dominant all-around performance as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Dallas Mavericks 112-111 for their sixth consecutive NBA victory. The 21-year-old center scored a career-high 52 points, collected a career-best 24 rebounds and blocked eight shots, while making all 15 of his free-throw attempts.
San Antonio appeared to be in control after building a 19-point lead early in the third quarter, but Dallas steadily fought back. The Mavericks moved within two points with 8:17 remaining, then took a 103-100 advantage when PJ Washington made a three-pointer with 5:38 to play. The lead changed hands repeatedly in the closing minutes, and Naji Marshall’s three-pointer with 1:41 left tied the game at 111.
Wembanyama then put the Spurs ahead by making a free throw with 24.2 seconds remaining. Dallas had one final opportunity, but Kyrie Irving missed a contested turnaround jumper with 2.5 seconds on the clock, allowing San Antonio to hold on. Dylan Harper scored 21 points for the Spurs, Stephon Castle added 17 and De’Aaron Fox had 10. Irving led Dallas with 29 points, while Marshall scored 22 off the bench, Washington finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Cooper Flagg posted 19 points and 10 rebounds. The Mavericks have now lost two consecutive games.
Continue in the app — vote & join in ➔