Wembanyama Scores 40 in Spurs' Ninth Straight Win
The 22-year-old center led San Antonio past Phoenix 122-96, adding 11 rebounds and nine blocks in just 25 minutes of play.
By Jack Weber ·
The San Antonio Spurs extended their winning streak to nine games on Monday night. They defeated the Phoenix Suns 122-96 at the Phoenix Suns' home arena. The victory continues a hot stretch for the team, which now holds a 9-2 record for the season.
Victor Wembanyama led the offense with 40 points. He also recorded 11 rebounds and nine blocks. The center accomplished this in only 25 minutes of action. His performance followed a game five days earlier where he set career highs with 52 points and 24 rebounds against the Dallas Mavericks.
Wembanyama scored 14 points in the first quarter. He added another 22 points by halftime. The 7-foot-4 player used various methods to score, including three-pointers, jump shots, and dunks. He also blocked multiple shots on the defensive end.
In the fourth quarter, Wembanyama drove the ball up the court. He crossed over Khaman Maluach and dribbled between his legs and behind his back. He finished with an easy layup. The move occurred early in the final period as the Spurs' lead expanded.
Suns coach Jordan Ott said his defensive plan for Wembanyama did not work. Ott noted that the center scores from all levels. He added that opponents often pass to the top of the backboard for a dunk when a switch occurs. "He just does it from all three levels right now," Ott said. "When that starts, it's so deflating and it's tough to overcome. But he does it to everyone."
Devin Booker finished with a team-high 32 points for Phoenix. The five-time All-Star said Wembanyama is a difficult matchup. "It’s something like we’ve never seen before," Booker said. "He can handle the ball but his instincts for the game are off the charts, too. If he’s not blocking shots, he’s altering them so it’s a tough matchup."
Wembanyama said he feels like he is where he wants to be. He mentioned that he should save his physically amazing moves for difficult situations. "Opponents can't really put me in a situation where I can't answer, so now all I have to do is not beat myself," Wembanyama said.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said Wembanyama is allowing the game to unfold naturally. Johnson noted that the center puts himself in good positions to take advantage of opportunities. Other Spurs players also contributed, with Dylan Harper scoring 14 of his 17 points in the third quarter.
