Victor Wembanyama Scored Ridiculous 17 Points in Three Minutes to Lead Spurs Comeback over Nuggets
The San Antonio Spurs beat the Denver Nuggets on Friday night, 121-120. The Nuggets, who were in pole position for the top seed in the Western Conference, took an 18-point lead into halftime and were up by as many as 23 in the third quarter, but the Spurs refused to go away. Or, perhaps more accurately, Victor Wembanyama happened.
With the Spurs up 81-60, Wemby went on a tear, scoring a ridiculous 17 points in less than three minutes. Between the 8:05 mark and 5:22 mark in the third quarter, he took six shots and made them all. He made four three-pointers and one free throw. By the time he was done throwing flames, the lead had been cut to single-digits. Just watch this.
It's like someone wondered what it would be like if Tracy McGrady were a foot taller and durable, and some higher being agreed that it was a subject worth exploring. Wembanyama finished with 34 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. In the process, he became the first player in NBA history to record 1500+ points, 250+ blocks and 100+ made threes in a single-season.
It was a team effort to get the Spurs all the way to the finish line as Devonte' Graham scored eight of San Antonio's final 12 points, but Wembanyama still affected the game in the clutch defensively, as Jokic missed his final three shots with one getting swatted off the backboard.
For lack of a better word, Wemby is a problem - even for a two-time MVP. He's played hard on a bad team all season and clearly relishes competing and wants to win. He's ready for primetime right now. Who knows what he's capable of if the Spurs can put a decent team around him. Last night was another glimpse into the bright future of Wembanyama and the Spurs.
