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Wembanyama’s First-Half Masterclass Propels Spurs to Dominant 136-108 Victory Over Undermanned Lakers

Victor Wembanyama guarded by Luke Kennard

Key Takeaways:

  • Victor Wembanyama scored 37 of his season-high 40 points before half-time
  • The Spurs secured their fifth consecutive win, defeating a depleted Lakers squad missing Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves
  • Carter Bryant posted a career-best 16 points and Stephon Castle left with a bruised pelvis before the break

Historic First Half from Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama stunned the Los Angeles crowd with an explosive performance, registering 37 of his 40 points in the opening half as the San Antonio Spurs claimed a commanding 136-108 victory over the injury-hit Los Angeles Lakers. Wembanyama’s display marked the season’s highest-scoring first half in the NBA and set a new benchmark for a Spurs player in the 21st century.

Within the opening four minutes and fifteen seconds, Wembanyama notched 17 points without missing a shot, finishing the first quarter with a remarkable 25 points in a Spurs tally of 47. His production continued into the second, posting another 12 points before the break.

Efficient Night and Milestones for the French Forward

The French star converted 12 of 17 field goal attempts, including three shots from beyond the arc, while facing a Lakers line-up short of key contributors: Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. Wembanyama featured for just eight minutes in the second half with the Spurs well ahead, and also contributed 12 rebounds. By reaching 40 points in only 27 minutes of play, he became just the third player in the past 50 seasons to achieve that feat in such limited court time.

Short-Handed Lakers Struggle as Spurs Depth Shines

The depleted Lakers, playing the second fixture of a challenging back-to-back against the Western Conference’s elite, were also without Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart. Doncic and Smart sat out due to injuries, while James, Reaves, and Ayton were managing ongoing health issues.

For San Antonio, Carter Bryant posted a personal best with 16 points and Dylan Harper contributed 15. On the Lakers’ side, Luke Kennard and Drew Timme each accounted for 14 points, while Bronny James added 12 points along with six assists.

Injury Concerns and Milestones

Spurs guard Stephon Castle recorded seven assists before leaving the contest with a bruised pelvis after a heavy fall while blocking Rui Hachimura’s shot. Meanwhile, LeBron James’ absence marked his 18th missed game of his 23rd NBA campaign, which disqualifies him from a 22nd consecutive All-NBA team selection. Dallas star Luka Doncic, currently the NBA scoring leader, missed his third straight game due to a hamstring strain.

Game Leaders and Statistics

PlayerTeamPointsReboundsAssists
Victor WembanyamaSpurs40122
Carter BryantSpurs1643
Dylan HarperSpurs1536
Luke KennardLakers1425
Drew TimmeLakers1420
Bronny JamesLakers1236

What’s Next

  • The Spurs will travel to face Golden State on Wednesday night
  • The Lakers are set to host Dallas on Thursday night

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