Victor Wembanyama records 32 points as San Antonio Spurs beat Hornets
Victor Wembanyama recorded 32 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists on his return from injury as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Charlotte Hornets 115-102 on Saturday.
The French center added four blocks and two steals in a dominant all-round performance at the Frost Bank Center.
This latest victory ensures San Antonio have now won 17 of their 19 matches since the start of February.
Wembanyama joins franchise greats
Missing Thursday’s defeat by the Denver Nuggets with a sore right ankle clearly did little to slow the towering defender’s momentum.
His spectacular statistical line marks only the second time in his career he has recorded such a comprehensive array of points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals.
He now ties George Gervin for the third-most such games in franchise history, sitting only behind legendary big men Tim Duncan and David Robinson.
“It’s just a progression in general. There were many aspects of the game where we dominated them, and that shows because we won three out of four quarters.”
– Victor Wembanyama
Playmaking progress on display
The former Parisian standout displayed exceptional court vision throughout the second half of the contest.
He orchestrated impressive alley-oop finishes for team-mates Luke Kornet and Stephon Castle to demonstrate his expanding offensive arsenal.
“My playmaking most of the time happens by rolling and not even touching the ball, getting guys open by my positioning with my gravity. But I can do that, too.”
– Victor Wembanyama
Awards eligibility and team momentum
Crucially for his individual accolades, the sophomore sensation can only afford to miss three more regular-season fixtures before becoming ineligible for end-of-season NBA awards.
San Antonio head coach Mitch Johnson praised his squad’s ability to navigate various challenges during their remarkable run of form.
“All these experiences are hopefully lessons we turn into knowledge and wisdom moving forward.”
– Mitch Johnson