No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama went off for a career-high 38 points to help the Spurs earn back-to-back wins over the Suns.
PHOENIX – Witness the brilliance of the San Antonio Spurs rookie sensation, Victor Wembanyama.
On Thursday, the 19-year-old showcased his most complete game to date, leading the Spurs to a dominant 132-121 victory over the Phoenix Suns.
Wembanyama delivered an outstanding performance, scoring a career-high 38 points and etching his name alongside the most impressive rookies in Spurs history.
Only Hall of Famer David Robinson has scored more points in a game in his first season.
Let’s dive into the five key takeaways from this thrilling matchup:
1. Victor Wembanyama Takes Control
Exiting the postgame interview room, Wembanyama took a moment to hydrate, relishing in his fourth-quarter heroics that demolished Phoenix’s attempted comeback from a 27-point deficit.
With 4:21 left on the clock and the game tied at 116, Wembanyama stepped up and scored 10 of San Antonio’s next 12 points, establishing a commanding 128-116 lead with 1:35 remaining.
Within seconds, fans started leaving the arena, acknowledging the rookie’s game-changing performance.
Wembanyama’s dominance continued in the final frame, shooting 3-for-4, grabbing three rebounds, and securing a block. Amazingly, he has already accumulated 39 points in the fourth quarters of his first five games, placing him among the NBA’s top scorers during that period.
Additionally, Wembanyama joined an elite group of players in NBA history by achieving 85-plus points, 35-plus rebounds, and 10-plus blocks in his first five games.
2. Wembanyama’s Explosive Start
Breaking free from his slow start trend, Wembanyama exploded in the second game of the Spurs-Suns series. In the previous match, he contributed to a close 115-114 victory for San Antonio.
In this game, Wembanyama showcased his versatility by scoring 20 points, grabbing five rebounds, dishing out two assists, and making an impact on both ends of the court. His spectacular performance included shooting 8-of-14 from the field, connecting on 2-of-3 three-point attempts, and delivering powerful dunks.
Interestingly, Wembanyama’s average first-half performance improved significantly, as he averaged 5.3 points on 28% shooting in the club’s first four games.
Coach Gregg Popovich ensured Wembanyama finished strong, playing him alongside Zach Collins in the closing minutes of the game.
3. Devin Booker’s Stunning Return
Devin Booker made a triumphant return after spraining his left ankle in the season opener, igniting the Phoenix Suns in their attempt to overcome a 27-point deficit. Booker’s impressive performance resulted in a team-high 31 points.
Coach Popovich jokingly remarked on Booker’s availability, highlighting how his return influenced the game’s outcome after the Suns’ loss to the Spurs just two days prior.
Paired with Kevin Durant, Booker drove the Suns’ comeback. However, Phoenix struggled in the final stretch, shooting only 1-for-7 and ultimately falling short.
Booker’s return showcased his scoring prowess, recording his 16th career game with 30 points and 10 assists. Meanwhile, Durant provided substantial support with 28 points, six rebounds, and two blocks.
4. Young Spurs Learn from Varied Experiences
The San Antonio Spurs encountered contrasting outcomes in their first few games of the season. They began with a strong showing against the Dallas Mavericks but faltered in the closing minutes. Then, they bounced back with an overtime victory over the Houston Rockets. However, they experienced a significant loss against the LA Clippers.
Playing against the Suns, the Spurs displayed both resilience and vulnerability. They secured a remarkable 20-point comeback victory on Tuesday but faced a challenging battle against the resurgent Suns.
Coach Popovich emphasized the importance of learning from these experiences, praising his young team’s ability to overcome adversity. The Spurs’ ability to maintain their lead and weather the storm showcased significant growth.
Notably, the Spurs took their first 20-point lead of the season with a late three-pointer by Devin Vassell.
5. Popovich’s Tribute to Walter Davis
Shortly before tipoff, Coach Popovich received the news of former Phoenix Suns player Walter Davis’s passing. Expressing his condolences, Popovich referred to Davis as “one of the great ones,” recognizing his impact on and off the court.
GameTime honors the memory of Phoenix Suns all-time leading scorer and 6-time NBA All-Star Walter Davis.
Davis, the fifth overall pick in the 1977 NBA draft, enjoyed a storied career with the Phoenix Suns. He was a six-time NBA All-Star and earned Rookie of the Year honors in his first season. In 2004, the Suns retired his jersey number 6.
Before the game, the Suns held a moment of silence to honor Davis, exemplifying the impact he made on the organization.
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Michael C. Wright is a senior writer for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
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