Against the Phoenix Suns, Victor Wembanyama dropped 38 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 132-121 win.
It was the second matchup between the Spurs and the Suns this week, as the two teams met at the Footprint Center on Tuesday. It was the same story Thursday night as well, as the Spurs rallied from 20 points behind to win on a last-second shot. But the formula was completely different.
It was the Spurs who jumped out of the blocks fast, outscoring the Suns 19 points in the first quarter alone. The first half was marked by a 27-point lead at one point and a 75-55 lead at halftime.
But this time it was Phoenix’s turn to mount a comeback. Keita Bates-Diop’s three-pointer with just over four minutes left in the fourth tied the game at 116 for the Suns, led by Kevin Durant and a returning Devin Booker.
Wembanyama is so good i dont even feel like i have to lie about cancelling plans anymore. All the usual suspects: Not feeling well, Car broke down, Work thing came up … listen, Wemby is on. Sorry. And if they dont understand then i guess ill just see you in hell.
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) November 3, 2023
With Wembanyama scoring 10 of the Spurs’ 12 unanswered points, the Spurs didn’t let their lead slip away. In addition to shooting 15-for-26 from the field, making three triples, and controlling the paint offensively by often taking advantage of smaller defenders in the post, the No. 1 overall pick was totally dominant.
Despite only playing five games in the NBA, Wembanyama is already making a big impression.
After the game, Wembanyama said, “The NBA has the best athletes on the planet.” He added, “But so far, it’s been working out well.”
We try to find the sweet spot where we can hurt them in every game. Maybe it will be this way today, but tomorrow it may be something else. That’s how great teams work.”
On Thursday night, the Suns were unable to contain Wemby.
He told reporters after the game that basketball has never seen anyone quite like Wembanyama, the 2014 NBA MVP.
Durant dismissed comparisons between himself and the Frenchman by saying, “He’s his own player, he’s going to create his own lane.”. Durant said that the Frenchman is different than everyone else who has ever played the game. Comparing is pointless, because he will carve out his own niche.”
In addition to Durant’s 28 points, Booker’s 31 points, nine rebounds, and 13 assists just missed out on a triple double after missing the previous three games with a sprained ankle.
As a result, the Spurs improve to 3-2, while the Suns drop to 2-3 without All-Star guard Bradley Beal.