Wembanyama Drops 40 as Spurs Rout Lakers 136-108/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Victor Wembanyama scored 37 first-half points in a dominant Spurs victory. San Antonio rolled past a depleted Lakers squad 136-108 in Los Angeles. The win marks the Spurs’ fifth straight and 10th in 13 games.
Wembanyama Spurs vs Lakers – Quick Looks
- Victor Wembanyama scored 40 points, 37 in first half
- Spurs win 136-108 over injury-hit Lakers
- Highest-scoring half by Spur this century
- San Antonio wins fifth straight game
- Lakers missing Luka Dončić, LeBron James, Austin Reaves
Deep Look: Victor Wembanyama Explodes for 37 First-Half Points as Spurs Dominate Lakers
Victor Wembanyama delivered one of the most electrifying halves of the NBA season, pouring in 37 of his 40 points before halftime to power the San Antonio Spurs to a commanding 136-108 victory over the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.
Wembanyama’s scoring outburst marked the highest-scoring first half in the NBA this season and the most prolific half by a Spurs player in the 21st century. The 7-foot-4 French phenom shot 12-of-17 from the field in the opening half, connecting on three 3-pointers and overwhelming a Lakers squad missing multiple key stars.
Historic Efficiency in Limited Minutes
Wembanyama tied his season high with 40 total points, adding 12 rebounds in just 27 minutes of action. He became only the third player in the past 50 seasons to score at least 40 points while playing 27 minutes or fewer.
With San Antonio firmly in control, Wembanyama logged only the first eight minutes of the second half before heading to the bench for good as the Spurs cruised to their fifth consecutive victory and their 10th win in 13 games.
The scoring spree began immediately. After winning the opening tip, Wembanyama erupted for 17 points in the first 4:15, shooting a perfect 5-for-5. He already had 25 points before checking out late in the first quarter, which ended with the Spurs pouring in 47 points.
He added 12 more in the second quarter, effectively putting the game out of reach before halftime.
Lakers Missing Key Stars
The Lakers were severely depleted, sitting out Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. Dončić is sidelined with a hamstring strain, while James and Reaves are managing health concerns.
Additionally, Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart were unavailable as Los Angeles faced the second night of a demanding back-to-back against the Western Conference’s top two teams.
James’ absence marked his 18th missed game of the season, disqualifying him from All-NBA eligibility for what would have been his 22nd straight selection.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
San Antonio received additional contributions from its young core. Carter Bryant posted a career-high 16 points, while Dylan Harper added 15.
For the Lakers, Luke Kennard and Drew Timme each scored 14 points. Bronny James contributed 12 points and six assists.
Spurs guard Stephon Castle dished out seven assists before exiting in the first half with a bruised pelvis after a hard fall while blocking Rui Hachimura’s shot.
Momentum Building for San Antonio
The victory underscores the Spurs’ rising form as they continue to climb the Western Conference standings. With Wembanyama playing at an MVP-caliber level, San Antonio looks increasingly dangerous heading into the second half of the season.
The Spurs next travel to face the Golden State Warriors, while the Lakers return home to host the Dallas Mavericks.
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