Wembanyama tears Lakers apart with historic scoring feat in limited time
Victor Wembanyama produced a devastating display of efficiency to lead the San Antonio Spurs past the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 40 points in just 26 minutes.
The French phenomenon made NBA history with the rapid-fire performance but admitted frustration at sitting out the fourth quarter of the 136-108 victory.
Wembanyama was determined to ensure complacency did not set in against an undermanned opponent.
He did exactly that, tallying 25 points in the first quarter alone.
It was the third highest-scoring quarter by a player in franchise history.
Only Hall of Famers George Gervin and David Robinson have produced more prolific opening periods for the Spurs.
‘You have to have the greed’
Despite the dominance, the 7-foot-4 centre watched the entire fourth quarter from the sidelines.
With the game well in hand, he admitted a desire to chase even greater numbers rather than rest.
“I was also pushing to go back, but I mean, they did the right thing by keeping me on the bench. We got to think long term. But yeah, these kind of games, you got to have the greed. I mean, every game you have to have this greed to want more every time.”
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
The Western Conference’s second-placed team needed that mentality, having struggled occasionally against weaker opposition this season.
Wembanyama jokingly pretended to check himself back in during the final period, confident he could have eclipsed his career high of 50 points.
Joining elite company
The efficiency on display at the Crypto.com Arena was startling.
According to ESPN Research, this was only the fifth time in the shot-clock era a player has scored 40 points in 26 minutes or fewer.
The towering forward also secured 12 rebounds during his short shift.
That stat line sees him join New York Knicks legend Patrick Ewing as the only players in NBA history to record a 40-point double-double in such a limited timeframe.
He shot 13-of-20 from the floor and connected on four three-pointers.
Lakers depleted
The hosts were fighting an uphill battle before the tip-off.
Stars LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves were all ruled out earlier in the day.
To compound matters, centre Deandre Ayton was a late scratch due to knee soreness.
Lakers coach J.J. Redick could only watch as the Spurs seized control immediately.
“He was very aggressive. As aggressive to start a game as I’ve seen him. Both in attacking the basket and in shooting without hesitation from three. Just really put his imprint on the game in that first half.”
J.J. Redick, Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach
Wembanyama had already amassed 37 points by half-time, with the Spurs holding a commanding 29-point lead.
San Antonio will look to carry this momentum forward as they chase the top seed in the West.