Wembanyama’s 52 points lead Spurs past Mavericks

The San Antonio Spurs beat the Dallas Mavericks 112-111 on Wednesday as Victor Wembanyama scored a career-high 52 points, grabbed a career-high 24 rebounds and blocked eight shots. His free throw with 24.2 seconds remaining proved to be the winning point, extending San Antonio’s streak to six victories. Wembanyama also made a mark before halftime, recording 29 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks. Reports described him as the first player in the play-by-play era, which began in 1996-97, to reach at least 25 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks in a half. He finished 16-for-28 from the field and 19-for-23 from the free-throw line. San Antonio built a 68-51 halftime lead and was ahead by 19 early in the third quarter. Dallas rallied, took a 103-100 lead on a P.J. Washington three-pointer with 5:38 left, and tied the score at 111 on a Naji Marshall basket with 1:41 remaining. Wembanyama’s free throw restored the Spurs’ lead. Kyrie Irving missed a turnaround jumper with 2.5 seconds left, and San Antonio held on. Wembanyama’s night included a brief departure after he rolled his ankle in the fourth quarter. He returned with 6:05 remaining and scored two putbacks in the closing...