Wembanyama Dunks Suns as Spurs Reach Ninth Consecutive Win
The 22-year-old center scored 40 points and recorded nine blocks in a 122-96 victory over Phoenix.
By Nikolai Patterson ·
Victor Wembanyama crossed over Khaman Maluach multiple times before gliding past the defender for a layup early in the fourth quarter. It was a casual display of athleticism that capped a dominant night for the San Antonio Spurs, who defeated the Phoenix Suns 122-96 on Monday.
The Spurs improved to a 9-2 record, marking their ninth straight victory. Wembanyama finished with 40 points, 11 rebounds, and nine blocks in just 25 minutes of play. This performance follows a record-setting game just five days prior where he posted career highs of 52 points and 24 rebounds against the Dallas Mavericks.
"It feels like where I want to be," Wembanyama said after the game. The 22-year-old center scored 14 points in the first quarter and 22 by halftime. He made three-pointers, jump shots, and dunks while consistently swatting attempts on the defensive end.
Suns head coach Jordan Ott admitted his defensive plan failed. "He just does it from all three levels right now and then anytime he has a switch, they just literally throw the ball to the top of the backboard (for a dunk)," Ott said. "When that starts, it's so deflating and it's tough to overcome. But he does it to everyone."
Phoenix's Devin Booker led the Suns with 32 points but could not match the Spurs' pace. "It’s something like we’ve never seen before," Booker said. "He can handle the ball but his instincts for the game are off the charts, too. If he’s not blocking shots, he’s altering them so it’s a tough matchup."
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson noted that Wembanyama is allowing the game to unfold naturally. "He’s doing a great job of putting himself in positions to take advantage of the opportunities that are in front of him and his teammates do a good job as well of utilizing him when appropriate," Johnson said.
Dylan Harper scored 14 of his 17 points in the third quarter. De'Aaron Fox, Julian Champagnie, and Harrison Barnes also contributed to the offensive output. Wembanyama said he should save his most physically amazing plays for difficult situations. "Opponents can't really put me in a situation where I can't answer, so now all I have to do is not beat myself," he said.
