Debuting their ABA-inspired classic jerseys and classic court, the Spurs showed out for the Frost Bank Center against their I-35 rivals in the Dallas Mavericks. After taking control of the first half and extending their lead to 19 in the third quarter, the Mavericks clawed their way back in the fourth. Clutch plays from Victor Wembanyama and Dylan Harper kept the Spurs within one possession down the stretch, and Wemby drained a go-ahead free throw with 24 seconds left. Kyrie Irving missed a potential
go-ahead jumper, and the Mavs failed to corral the rebound. The Spurs extended their win streak to six.
Speaking of Wemby, Holy moly, folks. Wemby channeled his inner Wilt Chamberlain against the Dallas Mavericks. Coming off a win over the Utah Jazz, Wemby looked to shake off the rust from his rough shooting night (12 points, 5-15 FG, 0-5 3PT). He responded by breaking a franchise and league record in the first half: 29 points, 15 rebounds, five blocks. He then cashed in a career-best performance: 52 points (16-28 FG, 19-23 FT), 24 rebounds, eight blocks, two steals, and two assists. From the opening tip, Wemby got to work immediately on Daniel Gafford. The Space Jam-esque leap after the crossover is otherworldly.
Besides putting it on the floor, Wemby gained the upper hand over defenders by using his height and agility. Throughout the first quarter and bleeding into others, Wemby was a lob threat every time. He spun off of Cooper Flagg, fought through contact, and finished many lobs as he dominated the paint.
Wemby kept up the aggression with countless drives to the basket. The Mavericks could not guard him one-on-one, so the result was often Wemby getting fouled on drives, lob attempts, putback attempts, and most of the time the contact did not even matter.
Here’s what separates Wemby from almost all big men, he can go behind the back on one end, control and spin on the other, and leap for a wide-open jam whenever he wants. Simply ridiculous.
Oh yeah, in case you forgot, he’s the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. Wemby swatted EIGHT shots, including this sequence where he blocked the Mavs THREE TIMES IN A ROW. Again, simply and utterly ridiculous.
As the aggression continued in the second half, the Mavericks transitioned to playing small ball to counteract the defensive anchor of Wemby. Wemby punished them with a handful of finishes at the rim and turning in a couple of and-ones.
He dominated the glass with nine of his 24 rebounds coming on the offensive end (which mostly resulted in putbacks). Overall, this is just another reminder of how Wemby is an MVP (and DPOY) candidate this season. With the team as a whole still figuring out their offense while running a three-guard lineup, Wemby’s talent saved the day and can continue to carry this team to close out victories. Spurs fans, rejoice and continue to feel blessed every day.
Dylan Harper played Robin to Wemby’s Batman with 21 points (9-15 FG) and five rebounds. Dylan, as a starter, continues to lead the league in field goal percentage at the rim. His fearlessness on drives and patience in the paint rival a prime Irving. Playing in a three-guard lineup with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, Dylan has been more of a scorer of the three. As the team’s offense continues to find a consistent identity, one thing is for sure, Dylan will find a way to put the ball in the basket.
Finally, here are the full game highlights.
