Wembanyama scores 52 in Spurs win over Mavericks

Victor Wembanyama scored 52 points on Wednesday night.

The San Antonio Spurs center finished the game with 24 rebounds and eight blocks. San Antonio defeated the Dallas Mavericks 112-111. Wembanyama played with a virus and rolled his ankle during the fourth quarter. He set a league milestone in the first half. He became the first player since the 1996-1997 season to record at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks in a half.

Wembanyama shot 16 of 28 from the field. He scored seven dunks. He missed seven of eight three-point attempts. San Antonio was outscored by Dallas by 23 points when Wembanyama was on the floor. He played 7-foot-4 and from France. The Spurs point guard Dylan Harper called him Superman. Harper said Wembanyama rolled his ankle and popped right up. Harper noted that Wembanyama acts like nothing happened. Harper attributed the recovery to Wembanyama's focus on mobility and treatment.

Wembanyama said his shots were not falling. He said that forced him into an exhausting style of play. He stated that he can be much better if his shots fall. He added that he knows it is just a matter of time. Wembanyama was named Western Conference Player of the Week three days before this game. He said the goal is to get the award every week. He said he hopes to win it again.

The Spurs have won their last six games. San Antonio swept a three-game homestand. The team has not lost since dropping its first two games to Oklahoma City and Houston. Wembanyama has averaged 32.5 points during this stretch. He said he has been sick for a while. He said he felt like he got his legs back on Wednesday.

Wembanyama scored 10 of San Antonio's first 12 points. He made two dunks. He made all six free-throw attempts. He finished the first quarter with 15 points, nine rebounds, two blocks, two steals, and an assist. He dribbled behind his back at the 3-point line to avoid Walter Clayton Jr. He drove between two defenders for a one-handed dunk. He stood in the paint screaming in celebration.

Wembanyama recorded three blocks in 13 seconds during the second quarter. He blocked shots by Cooper Flagg and P.J. Washington. De'Aaron Fox captured the third block. Wembanyama rolled his ankle after stepping on Clayton's foot. He exited the game with 9:11 remaining. He stretched his foot and ankle on the bench. He returned to the floor with 6:05 left in the game. Wembanyama said the moment that stands out is when he rolled his ankle.

Wembanyama had two putbacks in the final 2:39. He missed his first three free throws in the final 2:10. He made one free throw with 24 seconds left. That free throw provided the final margin of victory. Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving missed a 15-footer with three seconds remaining. Irving said Wembanyama was making an impact for his team. Irving said Wembanyama's aggression has been raising over the past few games.