Victor Wembanyama sets career highs as Spurs edge Mavericks

Victor Wembanyama recorded a career-high 52 points and 24 rebounds to lead the San Antonio Spurs past the Dallas Mavericks 112-111 on Wednesday night. The French center added eight blocks in the contest, which marked the sixth consecutive victory for San Antonio.

Wembanyama finished the first half with 29 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocked shots. He became the first player in the NBA's play-by-play record era, which began in 1996-1997, to achieve a 25-point, 10-rebound, and five-block half. His performance drove the Spurs to a 23-point positive net rating while on the floor. When he was off the court, the team's net rating fell to minus 22.

The Spurs took an early lead, with Wembanyama scoring 10 of the first 12 points for his team. He finished the first quarter with 15 points, nine rebounds, two blocks, two steals, and one assist. Dallas mounted a comeback when Wembanyama left the game three minutes into the second half. The Mavericks scored 12 consecutive points to trim the deficit to 49-48.

Wembanyama returned to the floor 4.5 minutes later. In the final 3.5 minutes of the first half, he recorded three blocks in 13 seconds. He swatted shots from Cooper Flagg and P.J. Washington out of bounds. De'Aaron Fox secured the rebound on the third block with 3 minutes and 38 seconds remaining in the half.

Kyrie Irving finished with 29 points for Dallas. The Mavericks came within one point of forcing overtime. Irving missed a contested pull-up jumper from 15 feet with three seconds left. The miss sealed the win for San Antonio.

Dylan Harper contributed 21 points for the Spurs. Stephon Castle added 17 points and 10 rebounds. On the Dallas side, Naji Marshall scored 22 points. P.J. Washington had 21 points, and Flagg finished with 19. Wembanyama made two shots off offensive rebounds in the final 2 minutes and 39 seconds. He also made only one of four free throw attempts in the final 2 minutes and 10 seconds.