Victor Wembanyama keeps doing this.
The Spurs star delivered 39 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks in a 115-108 win over the Timberwolves in Game 3, pushing San Antonio ahead 2-1 in the series.
“It was like holding the ship together,” Wembanyama said. “We had a lead. We didn’t need to rush. We needed to be consistent.”
That is exactly what he was.
Wembanyama shot 13-of-18 from the field, controlled the paint on both ends and scored 16 points in the fourth quarter. Every time Minnesota made a push, he had an answer.
“We were going to not leave any bullets in the chamber,” coach Mitch Johnson said. “We were going to play him, and then if he fouled out, we deal with that.”
He didn’t.
Even after picking up his fifth foul, Wembanyama stayed aggressive and closed it out. His late three-pointer pushed the lead to six. The next possession ended with another rebound.
San Antonio never trailed in the second half.
De’Aaron Fox added 17 points. Stephon Castle had 13 points and 12 assists.
Minnesota had chances.
Anthony Edwards finished with 32 points and 14 rebounds and helped erase an early 18-3 deficit. The Wolves battled back to tie it at halftime and stayed within reach late.
“He needed that. We needed that,” coach Chris Finch said. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the result.”
The difference was in the middle.
Wembanyama altered everything. Shots at the rim. Spacing. Decisions.
“I told the guys we had a bunch of great looks,” Edwards said. “If we make our shots, we win this game.”
Maybe.
But right now, the Spurs have the best player on the floor. And the series lead to go with it.
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