San Antonio, TX – The San Antonio Spurs were flailing in the fourth quarter Thursday night, struggling to find their footing after the Phoenix Suns erased a 27-point lead and threatened to finish an epic comeback victory. However, it was the 19-year-old rookie, Victor Wembanyama, who took charge and delivered a stunning performance that secured a memorable win for the Spurs.
In a game that will be remembered for its thrilling turn of events, Wembanyama showcased his incredible talent by scoring a season-high 38 points, leading the Spurs to a 132-121 victory over the Suns. Alongside him, Zach Collins contributed with 19 points to secure the win.
The Suns made an incredible comeback, erasing a 27-point deficit and tying the game at 116 with 4:21 left, thanks to Keita Bates-Diop’s clutch 3-pointer. However, it was the Spurs who responded with a remarkable 12-point run, with Wembanyama contributing 10 of those crucial points.
Wembanyama, speaking after the game, humbly stated, “Someone’s got to do it. Tomorrow it might be one of my teammates.” His performance, especially considering this was only his fifth NBA game, was nothing short of extraordinary. The 7-foot-4 Frenchman displayed his versatility by making 15 of 26 field goals and securing 10 rebounds, earning praise from Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who described him as a “multi-faceted player” and emphasized his confidence and ability to make unbelievable plays.
However, it was not just Wembanyama’s scoring and athleticism that stood out; his poise down the stretch was equally impressive. During the decisive run, he made a crucial 3-pointer, sunk three free throws, delivered a powerful dunk, and nailed an 18-foot jumper.
Wembanyama’s modesty was evident when he explained his approach to the game, saying, “Every game, we try to find the sweet spot where we need to hurt them. Today it might be this way, tomorrow it might be someone else. It’s how great teams work.”
Phoenix’s star player, Devin Booker, returned from a sprained ankle and nearly recorded a triple-double with 31 points, 13 assists, and nine rebounds, but it was not enough for the Suns, who struggled with 14 turnovers. Kevin Durant chipped in with 28 points.
This victory marked the second time in three days that the Spurs had beaten the Suns in Phoenix, further solidifying their resurgence this season. On Tuesday night, the Spurs had shocked Phoenix with a 115-114 win, erasing a 20-point deficit and securing the win in the final seconds. In contrast, Thursday’s game looked like a blowout victory for San Antonio as they led 75-55 at halftime.
Victor Wembanyama’s remarkable performance and the Spurs’ recent successes have undoubtedly caught the attention of the basketball world. With a bright future ahead, this young talent is poised to become a key player for the San Antonio Spurs, and his journey in the NBA promises to be an exciting one.
The Spurs will host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, while the Suns will face the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday in their quest for a complete game