Victor Wembanyama poured in 38 points, including 18 in the fourth quarter, as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Chicago Bulls 121-117 on Monday night at the United Center. His performance helped San Antonio claim its third straight win.
The French center also grabbed 12 rebounds, blocked five shots, and made six 3-pointers, becoming the first player in NBA history with at least 35 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, five blocks, and five 3-pointers in a single game.
De’Aaron Fox added 21 points, Stephon Castle contributed 19 points and 11 assists, and Luke Kornet finished with 16 points for the Spurs.
Chicago, missing guard Josh Giddey due to a right ankle injury, was led by Kevin Huerter’s 23 points. Ayo Dosunmu and Tre Jones each scored 20 points, while Jalen Smith recorded a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. The Bulls fell to 5-1 at home and have lost four of five overall.
The game turned in the fourth quarter when Wembanyama sparked a personal 10-0 run. He hit a fadeaway jumper and a 3-pointer to cut Chicago’s 104-91 lead to three with 7:05 remaining.
The Spurs then went ahead for good following a late 10-0 run, including two clutch 3-pointers from Wembanyama and two free throws from Castle that made it 119-114 with 18 seconds left.
San Antonio shot 43.5% in the fourth compared to Chicago’s 28%, allowing the Spurs to overcome a deficit and seal the win. Earlier, the Bulls had opened a 10-point lead late in the third quarter on a Huerter 3-pointer, but San Antonio’s late-game execution proved decisive.
The Spurs improve to 8-2 and will host the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday in the first of two consecutive home games. The Bulls, now 6-4, will travel to Detroit for their next matchup.
