Victor Wembanyama had career highs of 52 points and 24 rebounds along with eight blocks to power the San Antonio Spurs past the Dallas Mavericks 112-111 on Wednesday night.
Wembanyama had 29 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks in the first half to become the first player since the NBA’s play-by-play era began in 1996-1997 with at least 25 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks in a half, ESPN reported.
He is the second player since blocks became official in 1973-74 with at least 50 points, 20 rebounds and five blocks in a game, joining Bob McAdoo in 1974. He also matched Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor as the only players in NBA history with at least 50 points and 20 rebounds in a one-point win.
Wembanyama predicted there is more to come.
“It’s just figuring things out,” he said. “Sometimes you’re one step ahead. Also, I haven’t been feeling great lately. I’ve been sick for a while. And today, I felt like I got my legs back, so it should be more like this more often.”
He also said his favorite moment was when he rolled his ankle, with both teams stepping up their physicality — but noted that he was feeling fine currently.
“We’ll see tomorrow,” he said.
Kyrie Irving, who had 29 points, missed a contested 15-foot, turnaround jumper with three seconds remaining as Dallas nearly spoiled Wembanyama’s milestone game.
Dylan Harper had 21 points and Stephon Castle had 17 points and 10 rebounds in San Antonio’s sixth straight win.
Naji Marshall scored 22 points, P.J Washington had 21 points and Cooper Flagg added 19 for Dallas.
Wednesday was the second 50-plus-point game for Wembanyama, 22. He is the third player in Spurs history with multiple 50-point games, joining George Gervin (5) and David Robinson (3). He also is the fifth player in NBA history with multiple 50-point games at age 22 or younger.
His 24 rebounds were the most in a 50-point game since Chris Webber had 51 points and 26 rebounds in 2001. His eight blocks were the most in a 50-point game since blocks became official in 1973-74.
Wembanyama had two putbacks in the final 2:39 but also was 1-for-4 in free throws in the final 2:10.
San Antonio was a plus-23 when Wembanyama was on the court and minus-22 when he was subbed out.
Wembanyama had a torrid start, scoring 10 of San Antonio’s first 12 points on a pair of dunks and six free throws. He closed the first quarter with 15 points, nine rebounds, two blocks, two steals and an assist.
The Mavericks capitalized when Wembanyama subbed out three minutes into the second quarter, going on a 12-1 run to cut the Spurs’ lead to 49-48.
Wembanyama returned 4 1/2 minutes later.
Wembanyama had three blocks in 13 seconds on the same possession, sending shots by Flagg and Washington flying out of bounds before his third was captured by De’Aaron Fox with 3:38 remaining in the first half.
Wembanyama and Spurs Voted Top Favorites in 25th Annual NBA GM Survey
Yankeescores reported in October that the current season may belong to Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs judging by the annual survey of NBA general managers.
The San Antonio Spurs were not the favorites to win the NBA last season, but following 62 wins and a surprise run to the NBA Finals last year, the general managers believe they have what it takes to win the 2027 title. Wembanyama is also expected to win MVP and be named the league’s best defensive player.
