After a three-game losing streak, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Brooklyn Nets 122-115 in overtime on Sunday night thanks to 33 points and 16 rebounds from Victor Wembanyama.
Wembanyama recorded his 36th double-double in 60 games, adding seven blocks and seven assists. With five games of at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, five blocks, and five assists, the 7-foot-4 rookie big is quite impressive.
With 38 seconds left, Dennis Schroder attempted a layup, but Wembanyama preserved San Antonio’s 116-115 advantage with an alley-oop dunk and a block.
Mikal Bridges scored 14 points, including three in a low-scoring overtime period, to go along with Schroder’s 19 points in the end.
With 64 seconds left in regulation, Keldon Johnson’s 3-pointer gave the Spurs a 110-107 lead. Johnson’s 3 closed a 17-4 run, including four straight points from Wembanyama to tie the game. With 16 seconds left, Schroder made a 3-pointer to cap up the rally and tie the score at 110. Vassell and Wembanyama missed long-range jumpers that would have won the game in regulation, and Schroder’s three-pointer came in between them.
In Austin, San Antonio’s two-game set was split. The Spurs were in the capital city of Texas in order to increase their financial reach and fan base. 32,280 people watched the Spurs play, including a Moody Center record 16,223 on Friday. There were two sell-outs.
Ben Simmons, who underwent back surgery last week for the second time in three years, was not available for the Nets.
With four games remaining, Brooklyn (26-41) trails Atlanta for the final play-in tournament berth and 10th place in the Eastern Conference, Whereas, the Hawks to take on the Los Angeles Clippers later on sunday.
Spurs step-up
To avoid matching the worst record in team history (20-62), San Antonio (15-53) needs to finish at least 5-9 in its next 14 games. That record was set in 1997.
Brooklyn had a great start and finish, gaining an 11-point lead in the first quarter and a 10-point advantage in the last. San Antonio gradually reduced the margin on both occasions.
The Nets led 18–10 after seven minutes thanks to 11 points from Thomas. In OT, he was held scoreless. San Antonio shot 1 for 10 on 3-pointers, but they were still able to tie the game at 31. Brooklyn answered with a seven-point lead.
Wembanyamahowever, opened the game 3 for 5 from the field after going 4 for 12 in scoring 17 points against Denver in Friday’s loss. He finished 14 for 26.