Wembanyama scores career-high 52 as Spurs edge Mavericks 112-111

Victor Wembanyama delivered a career-best 52 points and 24 rebounds as the host San Antonio Spurs defeated the Dallas Mavericks 112-111 on Wednesday, securing their sixth consecutive victory in the NBA.

The Spurs center sank the decisive free throw with 24.2 seconds remaining to put San Antonio ahead for good. Wembanyama also blocked eight shots and made all 15 of his free-throw attempts in the home win.

San Antonio built a 19-point lead early in the third quarter, but Dallas mounted a comeback. PJ Washington's three-pointer gave the Mavericks a 103-100 advantage with 5:38 left, and Naji Marshall tied the game at 111 with 1:41 remaining.

The lead changed hands several times in the closing minutes as neither team could pull away.

Dallas called a timeout to set up a final shot, but Kyrie Irving missed a contested turnaround jumper in the lane with 2.5 seconds left, and time ran out.

Dylan Harper contributed 21 points for the Spurs, while Stephon Castle added 17 and De'Aaron Fox scored 10. Harper had 13 points before halftime. Irving led Dallas with 29 points, including 17 before the break. Marshall finished with 22 off the bench, Washington had 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Cooper Flagg recorded 19 points and 10 boards.

The loss marked Dallas's second straight defeat. Wembanyama became the first player in 30 seasons to post at least 25 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks in a single half, reaching those marks in just 16:37 of playing time.

Source: Al Jazeera.