Wembanyama’s 52 Points Lead Spurs Past Mavericks

Victor Wembanyama delivered the biggest performance of his NBA career on November 4, powering the San Antonio Spurs to a 112–111 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. He made 16 of 28 shots and 19 of 23 free throws, adding 24 rebounds and eight blocks in 34 minutes.

Wembanyama became the first player to post at least 50 points, 20 rebounds and five blocks in one game since the NBA and ABA merged in 1976. He also became the first Spurs player to score 50 points and collect 20 rebounds in a single contest. His eight blocks were the most by an NBA player in a 50-point game since blocks became an official statistic in 1973–74.

San Antonio had led by as many as 19 points before Dallas moved ahead in the fourth quarter. Wembanyama answered with a three-pointer to tie the game, blocked a shot on the Mavericks’ next possession, and scored 10 of the Spurs’ final 12 points. His go-ahead free throw came with 24 seconds left. The victory extended San Antonio’s winning streak to six after two losses to open the season.

Charles Barkley, reacting to Wembanyama’s performance during ESPN’s halftime show, said he was unsure what more he could add to the astonishing numbers. Barkley never scored 50 points in an NBA regular-season game; his career high in the regular season was 47. Wembanyama’s 52-point effort also set career bests for scoring and rebounding.