Wembanyama Scores 52 and Hits the Winning Free Throw as Spurs Edge Mavericks 112-111
Victor Wembanyama scored a career-high 52 points and grabbed 24 rebounds, then made the free throw that gave the San Antonio Spurs a 112-111 win over the Dallas Mavericks. BBC Sport reported the result.
The game was tied 111-111 when Wembanyama went to the foul line with 24.2 seconds left. He made one of two free throws, and that point was the last one scored. The Spurs' sixth straight win moved them to 6-2 on the season. NBA.com detailed the finish.
Wembanyama's night was built close to the rim. He shot 16-of-28 from the field, including 1-of-8 from three-point range, and he made 19 of 23 free throws. Free throws are uncontested shots from the foul line worth one point each. He also recorded eight blocks, and he played 34 minutes. NBA.com listed his full stat line.
His 52 points beat his previous career best of 50, set in 2024. BBC Sport noted that he became the first player in 52 years to post at least 50 points, 20 rebounds and five blocks in a single game.
Dallas still had a star night of its own. Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 29 points, but they fell short by one.
Elsewhere, Luka Doncic led all scorers with 40 points as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Sacramento Kings 116-103. That gave Doncic 308 points through his first eight games of the season. Only Michael Jordan, with 303 in 1988-89, had passed 300 that early in a season.
In New York, OG Anunoby scored 18 points as the Knicks routed the Chicago Bulls 135-105. The win lifted New York to 4-4. In Philadelphia, the 76ers beat the Detroit Pistons 112-106 to improve to 8-1, the best record in the NBA.
