Victor Wembanyama played a key role as the San Antonio Spurs remained unbeaten in the NBA preseason.
The San Antonio Spurs kept their record spotless in the NBA preseason after they rode Victor Wembanyama’s big game against the Indiana Pacers, 124-108, at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Monday (Tuesday, Manila time).
A strong finish powered San Antonio to the win and a 4-0 record so far, as Wembanyama dropped 27 points in 24 minutes to lead all scorers for the Spurs.
He was a highly efficient 9-of-13 from the field and he also finished with a double-double, nabbing 11 rebounds to go along with four assists, three steals, and a block.
Five others finished in double-digit scoring with Luke Kornet leading the support with 16 markers on a perfect 6-of-6 shooting clip.
Elsewhere, the Atlanta Hawks kept the Miami Heat winless in preseason with a thrilling win at State Farm Arena in Georgia, 119-118, in overtime.
Caleb Houstan capped off his 21-point performance with a triple with 13 ticks left in the ballgame that would eventually be the game-winner in the back-and-forth game. The Heat missed four shots in the next possession that would’ve gifted them the win.
Jacob Toppin was the top scorer for Atlanta with 26 markers. He also had nine rebounds, five assists, one steal, and two blocks.
AD, Flagg connive in Mavs win
In the other games, the Dallas Mavericks drubbed the Utah Jazz, 114-101, at the Delta Center in Utah.
Anthony Davis had 25 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks to complement another decent outing from top pick Cooper Flagg.
Flagg finished with 11 points, despite struggling from the field on 3-of-13 shooting. He added seven rebounds, one assist, two steals, and two blocks.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, for their part, handed the Guangzhou Loong-Lions another lopsided loss, 134-74.
Marvin Bagley III, meanwhile, powered the Washington Wizards to their first preseason win, beating the New York Knicks, 120-103, as he finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists in the victory.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.