Victor Wembanyama, returning after missing a game, led the San Antonio Spurs to a thrilling 131-127 victory over the Washington Wizards during Saturday’s NBA action, providing an impressive 24 points and eight rebounds.
The Spurs, supported by Tre Jones’ 11 points, 12 assists, eight rebounds, and significant contributions from Jeremy Sochan and Devin Vassell, managed a remarkable comeback from a 12-point deficit in the final five minutes.
Wembanyama reflected on the team’s improved performance towards the end of the game, acknowledging his initial sluggishness and praising the collective effort in the fourth quarter.
“Playing as a team again,” Wembanyama said. “I think we were slow. I was very slow. My legs were heavy tonight. And getting some stops. We relaxed, and I could feel the shift from all my teammates — me included — in the fourth quarter, and fortunately, it worked. Everyone was involved.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards Updates
After sitting out the previous game against Charlotte for rest, as per doctor’s orders, Wembanyama, the No. 1 overall pick, played 28 crucial minutes despite being on a minutes restriction due to a sprained ankle he suffered in December.
His standout moment came with just over two minutes left in the game, where he tied the game at 121 with a 3-pointer, contributing to the Spurs’ decisive 22-6 run to close the game.
Wizards center Marvin Bagley III praised Wembanyama’s exceptional talent and ability to create opportunities on the court.
“He’s a great talent, obviously,” Bagley said. “The things he can do with the basketball, him being 7-4 or whatever he is, they just throw it up to him and he just creates.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards Updates
The game also saw Bilal Coulibaly, Wembanyama’s former teammate from France, come off the bench to score 14 points for the Wizards, with Delon Wright adding 16 points. Coulibaly expressed joy in playing against Wembanyama, reminiscing about their shared past and looking forward to future matchups.
“It was a fun time,” Coulibaly said. “Just happy for each other. We grew up together, playing together when we were like 12, and now we’re playing in the league. We just loved the moment, and I just can’t wait to win that next game.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards Updates
Bagley, leading Washington with 21 points and 12 rebounds, reflected on the Wizards’ missed opportunity in the fourth quarter and the tough loss, emphasizing the need to learn from the experience and focus on the next game.
“We had a good chance to win there in the fourth, up 12. We missed some shots, they went on a run, got it down, and ended up winning,” Bagley said. “It’s always tough when you compete like that and fight our way through the whole game and let it go. Let it loose at the end.
“It’s a hard pill to swallow, but I just have to learn from it,” Bagley explained. “The good thing about the game is we have another one tomorrow. Another opportunity to come out and try and get a win.”
Looking ahead, the Spurs are set to visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night, while the Wizards will host the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night.
