The San Antonio Spurs’ rising star Victor Wembanyama set the NBA world ablaze on Wednesday night, posting a career-high 50 points in the Spurs’ impressive 139-130 victory over the Washington Wizards at the Frost Bank Center, according to the CBS Sports. This explosive performance shattered Wembanyama’s previous career-best of 40 points, as he hit an impressive eight 3-pointers and shot 18-of-29 from the field. His three-point shooting streak also set a new milestone, making him the first player in Spurs history to make at least six 3-pointers in three consecutive games.
The 50-point game comes on the heels of another strong outing from the 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick, who scored 34 points against the Sacramento Kings on Monday. Wembanyama now joins an elite club as the first Spurs player to score 50 in a game since LaMarcus Aldridge in 2019. At just 20 years old, he is also the fourth-youngest player in NBA history to achieve this feat, following in the footsteps of Devin Booker, LeBron James, and Brandon Jennings.
The Spurs and Wizards were neck-and-neck in the first half, going into halftime tied at 67. Wembanyama and the Spurs came alive in the third quarter, blowing the game open with a dominant 23-7 run. Washington struggled offensively, making just two field goals in the final six minutes of the quarter, while Wembanyama scored 17 points in the period, including three 3-pointers.
Wembanyama wasted no time reaching the 50-point milestone in the fourth quarter. After a layup and three quick free throws, he drained an 18-foot jumper over Corey Kispert, reaching 50 and putting the Spurs up by 17. With the game in hand, he checked out, but after the Wizards narrowed the gap to 10 with under five minutes remaining, Wembanyama returned to help close out the nine-point victory.
The Wizards put up a fight, led by Jordan Poole with 42 points, including six 3-pointers. Corey Kispert added 19 points off the bench, while Jonas Valanciunas contributed 16 points and 13 rebounds. However, Washington’s losing streak extends to six, leaving them with a 2-8 record on the season.
Devin Vassell contributed 17 points off the bench for the Spurs, with Julian Champagnie adding 12 and Harrison Barnes scoring 10 points with seven rebounds.
The Spurs remain without head coach Gregg Popovich, who is recovering from a mild stroke. Interim coach Mitch Johnson has taken the reins, with Popovich “expected to make a full recovery.” San Antonio will face the Los Angeles Lakers next in an NBA Cup game on Friday.