Victor Wembanyama delivered a stunning performance in the fourth quarter, almost single-handedly outscoring the Chicago Bulls as the San Antonio Spurs claimed a thrilling 121-117 victory on Monday night. The young star tallied 18 of his 38 points in the final period, hitting two crucial back-to-back 3-pointers in the dying seconds of the game, helping San Antonio to snatch the win from the jaws of defeat. The Spurs rallied strong in the fourth, outscoring the Bulls 32-19.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson praised Wembanyama’s fundamental skills and focus during the game, noting how he controlled the tempo possession by possession. The 19-year-old also showcased a well-rounded game, contributing 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 blocks, and a steal while shooting an impressive 11-of-19 from the field.
Despite some early struggles, including a 12-point deficit the Spurs faced with just 11 minutes left in the game, Wembanyama played a pivotal role in the turnaround. With less than a minute remaining and the Spurs down by three, he drained a 27-foot pull-up jumper over Bulls center Nikola Vucevic to tie the game. Soon after, he contested a shot by Bulls guard Tre Jones, which was officially blocked by Harrison Barnes. Wembanyama then regained possession and, with the shot clock winding down, delivered another clutch 3-pointer to give San Antonio the lead.
Vucevic acknowledged the challenge of defending Wembanyama, commenting, “When he gets going like that from 3, it’s not a whole lot you can do.” Wembanyama’s shooting prowess was on full display, as he converted 6 of 9 three-point attempts, including all three in the crucial fourth quarter.
After the game, Wembanyama reflected on his performance, attributing his confidence to experience and rep counts. “Guess I chose right,” he remarked, emphasizing his belief in the importance of gaining more in-game experience. Currently, he holds the record for blocks in 95 consecutive games, marking the third-longest streak in NBA history.
With this victory, the Spurs improved to an impressive 8-2, marking their best start in ten games since the 2015-16 season, when they recorded a franchise-best 67-15. Wembanyama expressed optimism for the team’s trajectory, stating, “What I like is that we keep each other accountable, the coaching staff keeps us accountable, so I know we’re only going to keep getting better.” This spirit of teamwork and growth bodes well for the Spurs as they continue their campaign this season.