Victor Wembanyama erupted for 37 of his season high-tying 40 points in the first half as the San Antonio Spurs rolled to their fifth straight win, a 136-108 rout of the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.
Wembanyama delivered the NBA’s highest-scoring half of the season and the most prolific half by a Spurs player in the 21st century. He shot 12 of 17 from the field, knocked down three 3-pointers and added 12 rebounds, needing just 27 minutes to reach 40 points. The French star became only the third player in the past 50 seasons to score at least 40 points in 27 minutes or fewer.
San Antonio seized control immediately. After winning the opening tip, Wembanyama poured in 17 points over the first 4:15 on perfect 5-for-5 shooting. He had 25 before exiting late in a 47-point first quarter and added 12 more in the second as the Spurs built an insurmountable lead. He played just the first eight minutes of the second half with San Antonio comfortably ahead.
Carter Bryant added a career-high 16 points and Dylan Harper scored 15 as the Spurs won for the 10th time in 13 games.
The Lakers, playing without Luka Doncic (hamstring), LeBron James, Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton, struggled to keep pace. Doncic missed his third straight game, while James sat out his 18th contest of his 23rd season, ending his streak of eligibility for 22 consecutive All-NBA selections. Marcus Smart was also unavailable.
Luke Kennard and Drew Timme scored 14 points apiece for Los Angeles, and Bronny James contributed 12 points and six assists.
Spurs guard Stephon Castle dished out seven assists before leaving in the first half with a bruised pelvis after a hard fall on a blocked shot attempt.
Up next:
San Antonio visits Golden State on Wednesday night, while the Lakers host Dallas on Thursday.
