Victor Wembanyama scored a career-high 52 points and claimed 24 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs edged the Dallas Mavericks 112-111 for their sixth consecutive NBA victory.
The Spurs appeared in control after opening a 19-point lead early in the third quarter, but Dallas fought back to move within two with 8min 17sec remaining. PJ Washington then put the Mavericks 103-100 ahead with a three-pointer with 5min 38sec left.
The lead changed hands several times before Naji Marshall levelled the contest at 111 with another three-pointer with 1min 41sec remaining. Wembanyama restored San Antonio’s advantage by sinking the decisive free throw with 24.2 seconds left.
Dallas called a timeout to organise a final attack, but Kyrie Irving missed a contested turnaround jumper in the lane with 2.5 seconds remaining. The Spurs held on as time expired.
Wembanyama also blocked eight shots, while Dylan Harper scored 21 points, Stephon Castle added 17 and De’Aaron Fox finished with 10 for San Antonio. Wembanyama made all 15 of his free throws.
The Spurs centre became the first player in the past 30 seasons to record at least 25 points, 10 rebounds and five blocked shots in a half. He reached those figures in just 16min 37sec of playing time.
Irving led Dallas with 29 points, with Marshall contributing 22 from the bench. Washington recorded 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Cooper Flagg added 19 points and 10 rebounds as the Mavericks suffered their second successive defeat.
