San Antonio Spurs rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama was unstoppable with his first NBA victory within reach of his 8-foot wingspan.
Wembanyama made the tying basket with 20 seconds left in regulation, the opening basket in overtime and finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds to help the Spurs beat the Houston Rockets 126-122 on Friday night.
I really, really love winning, Wembanyama said. Its what I love most in life. So, of course, it felt great. Coming back in the locker room, (coach Gregg Popovich) acknowledged that it was my first-ever NBA win. It just made me proud for a moment, proud of myself. Of course, its just one win and weve got a whole lot more to come and a whole lot more tough games to come.Wembanyama had 16 points, eight rebounds and three blocks on one late possession in the second half and overtime. He had four rebounds in overtime to help San Antonio seal the victory.
That was big time, Spurs center Zach Collins said. He was dominant. Great moves. Got his body in him all night.
Devin Vassell scored 25 points and Keldon Johnson added 20 for the Spurs, who lost to Dallas on Wednesday in Wembanyamas highly anticipated debut and trailed late in this one before the No. 1 pick helped them pull it out.
Wembanyamas layup while defended by Smith made it 111-all and his jumper sent San Antonio to a 6-0 run to begin OT.
Its tough, Smith said. Hes tall, athletic. Just try to do what you can, stay in front, try not to foul.
