Wembanyama has 40 points, 20 rebounds, Spurs overcome Brunson’s 61 points to lead Knicks in OT

SAN ANTONIO (AP) – Victor Wembanyama had a career-high 40 points and added 20 rebounds and seven assists, and the San Antonio Spurs overcame Jalen Brunson’s career-best 61 points to beat the New York Knicks 130- in overtime on Friday night. Defeated by 126. ,

Brunson fell one point shy of Carmelo Anthony’s franchise record of 62 points on January 24, 2014, missing a 3-pointer that would have given the Knicks the lead with 5.4 seconds remaining in OT.

Brunson had the fifth-most points in the NBA this season.

Vembanyama made a 3-pointer to give San Antonio a four-point lead in OT. He had the first 40-point, 20-rebound game by a rookie since Shaquille O’Neal had 46 points and 21 rebounds on February 16, 1993. Vembanayama also had a blocked shot and a steal while collecting his 39th double-double in 65 appearances. game.

Devin Vassell added 23 points for the Spurs, who won three in a row for the first time this season.

New York took its first lead at 113–112 with 4:39 remaining in regulation on Donte DiVincenzo’s 3-pointer. There were five ties in the final minutes of regulation to determine overtime.

DiVincenzo finished with 20 points and set the Knicks’ single-season record for 3-pointers with 245.

New York (44-29) finished third in the Eastern Conference, half a game behind Cleveland (45-29). The Cavaliers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 117-114 on Friday.

Brunson surpassed his previous career best of 50 points on December 15 against Phoenix. The Knicks needed all their heroes after an uncharacteristically poor defensive effort from Tom Thibodeau’s team.

After holding their last 10 opponents to 93.4 points per game, including three under 80 points, the Knicks held the Spurs to 74 points in the first half.

San Antonio was one point shy of its season high of 75 points in the first half against Phoenix on November 2.

Wembanyama worried the Spurs and their fans when he walked off the court limping on his right leg with 6:24 remaining in the first quarter. A minute later he limped back into the locker room. After a tense five minutes, Vembanyama quickly returned to the bench with two minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Wembanyama scored the first try on his return, a driving, scoop layup under the arm of Mitchell Robinson a minute into the second quarter.

The Spurs lost Jeremy Sochan, who exited in the second quarter with a sore left ankle.

San Antonio led by as many as 13 in the opening quarter to take a 38–27 lead. This is the first time the Spurs have scored 38 points in the opening quarter since December 28, and they are 3-1 when scoring more than 38.

Knicks: Host Oklahoma City on Sunday night.

Spurs: Host Golden State on Sunday night.

Copyright 2024 The associated Press, All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.