SAN ANTONIO – In a stunning performance, Victor Wembanyama scored 40 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in his 65th game, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 139-120 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night. This remarkable feat not only showcased his talent but also made him eligible for NBA awards, a significant milestone in his rookie season.
Joining Wembanyama in the scoring effort, De’Aaron Fox contributed 18 points and 10 assists, while Keldon Johnson added 17 points for the Spurs. The team’s cohesive play was evident as they secured a crucial win, further solidifying their playoff position.
On the other side, rookie Cooper Flagg had a standout game for Dallas, scoring 33 points along with six rebounds and five assists. However, the Mavericks have struggled recently, losing 11 of their last 13 games, which has impacted their playoff aspirations.
Wembanyama’s 40-point game marks the fifth time he has reached that scoring threshold this season. He opened the season with a similar impressive performance against the Mavericks, demonstrating his scoring prowess early on. As per NBA rules, players must participate in a minimum of 65 games to be eligible for season-long awards, a criterion Wembanyama met in the Spurs’ second-to-last game of the regular season.
Standing at an impressive 7 feet 4 inches tall, Wembanyama leads the league with 197 blocks, earning him the status of a favorite for the Defensive Player of the Year award, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. His ability to dominate on both ends of the floor has been a revelation this season.
Despite a recent left rib contusion that kept him out of a previous game against Portland, Wembanyama quickly proved he was back to form. He opened the scoring against the Mavericks with a spectacular right-handed dunk through three defenders, adding another dunk and a step-back three-pointer to finish the first quarter with 16 points.
This victory also marked a significant achievement for the Spurs, who clinched the Southwest Division title for the first time since 2017 and secured the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. They are set to face a yet-to-be-determined opponent from the play-in tournament, which could be the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, or Portland Trail Blazers.
As the regular season comes to a close, the Spurs will host the Denver Nuggets in their final game, while the Mavericks will take on the Chicago Bulls.
The Spurs are also monitoring the health of guard Stephon Castle, who remains out with left foot soreness but is nearing a return, according to Coach Mitch Johnson.
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