SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Victor Wembanyama concluded an extraordinary month by contributing 27 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three blocks in just 26 minutes as the San Antonio Spurs dominated the Los Angeles Clippers with a final score of 122-86 on Tuesday. Wembanyama’s performance solidified his place in history as the first player in the league to achieve 300 points, 100 rebounds, 50 blocks, 50 assists, and 40 three-pointers in a single month.
Keldon Johnson chipped in with 17 points, while Stephon Castle provided 15 points for the Spurs. On the opposing side, despite a three-game winning streak, the Los Angeles Clippers struggled from the three-point line, connecting on just 11 of 41 attempts. James Harden led the Clippers with 17 points, followed by Norman Powell with 15.
Wembanyama’s exceptional play was evident early on as he amassed 17 points in the opening quarter, a figure that matched the total points scored by the entire Clippers team in the same period. Noteworthy was his second-quarter dunk off a backboard pass from Chris Paul, contributing to his total of four points in that quarter.
San Antonio’s dominance was evident as they surged to a 25-point lead in the second quarter, ultimately extending it to 34 points in the fourth quarter, allowing Wembanyama to exit the game with 8:39 remaining.
Key takeaways from the matchup include Los Angeles center Ivica Zubac’s limited output of five points on 2-for-7 shooting, while San Antonio forward Jeremy Sochan was sidelined for the second half due to a lower back injury sustained in the second quarter.
A defining moment in the game occurred when Wembanyama showcased his defensive prowess by emphatically blocking Zubac’s shot under the rim with 9:47 left in the opening quarter. He then followed up with a three-pointer off an inbounds pass from Paul, which would be his sole three-point shot of the game.
A significant statistical highlight is Wembanyama’s impressive streak of recording at least one block and one three-pointer in 24 consecutive games, establishing a new record in the league. Moreover, he has maintained a streak of registering a block in 67 consecutive games.
Looking ahead, the Clippers are scheduled to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, while the Spurs will travel to Denver for their matchup on Friday.
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