Wembanyama's 52-Point, 24-Rebound Game Ends Spurs' Six-Game Win Streak

Victor Wembanyama scored 52 points and grabbed 24 rebounds on Wednesday night, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 112-111 win over the Dallas Mavericks. The performance marked new career highs for the 7-foot-4 center, who also recorded eight blocked shots.

Wembanyama achieved these numbers while fighting a virus and recovering from a rolled ankle sustained during the fourth quarter. He has averaged 32.5 points per game during the Spurs' current six-game winning streak. The team has not lost since its first two games of the season, which it dropped to Oklahoma City and Houston.

The Spurs' winning streak began with a sweep of a three-game homestand. Wembanyama was named the Western Conference Player of the Week three days before this matchup. He said he hopes to win the award again, stating that the goal is to get it every week.

In the first half, Wembanyama recorded 29 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocks. This made him the first player since the NBA's play-by-play era began in the 1996-97 season to record at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks in a single half.

His 52 points and 24 rebounds in a one-point victory also made him the first player to reach those milestones in a close game since Wilt Chamberlain in 1964. San Antonio had a plus-23 point differential on the court when Wembanyama was playing.

Wembanyama shot 16 for 28 from the field. He scored through seven dunks but made only one of eight attempts from beyond the three-point line. He said his shots were not falling, which forced him into an exhausting style of play. He noted that he can be much better if his shots start falling.

The player from France described the moment he rolled his ankle as the standout memory of the game. He stepped on the foot of Dallas guard Walter Clayton Jr. and left the court with 9:11 remaining. He spent several minutes stretching his foot on the bench before returning with 6:05 left in the game.

Spurs point guard Dylan Harper called Wembanyama Superman, noting that he popped right up after rolling his ankle and acted like nothing happened. Harper credited Wembanyama's body care and focus on mobility for allowing him to perform such feats.

Wembanyama finished the game with two putbacks in the final 2:39. He missed his first three free throws in the final 2:10 but made one with 24 seconds remaining to set the final margin. Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving missed a 15-footer with three seconds left that would have tied the game.

Wembanyama said he had not been feeling great lately and had been sick for a while. He felt like he got his legs back on Wednesday. He opened the game by scoring 10 of San Antonio's first 12 points, including two dunks and six free throws. He closed the first quarter with 15 points, nine rebounds, two blocks, two steals, and an assist.