Victor Wembanyama scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 119-101 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks at Frost Bank Center on Thursday. Stephon Castle added 19 points and 10 assists, while Julian Champagnie contributed 13 points and 11 rebounds as the Spurs led by 39 early in the fourth quarter.
Wembanyama returned after a first-quarter knee scare, exiting briefly following knee-to-knee contact with Giannis Antetokounmpo, but he returned in the second quarter to record 11 points, six rebounds, and a block in just over 12 minutes of play. The 7-foot-4 French center had previously missed two games after a hyperextended knee injury on Dec. 31.
San Antonio outscored Milwaukee 35-26 in the second quarter to take a 66-53 halftime lead, then expanded its margin to 37 points in the third before both teams rested starters in the fourth. Castle orchestrated the offense efficiently, distributing 10 assists and limiting turnovers.
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 21 points, while Kyle Kuzma added 18 and Bobby Portis had 13 for the Bucks, who suffered their third straight loss following a 139-106 defeat to Minnesota on Tuesday. Milwaukee shot 34% from the floor and 35% from three, struggling to match San Antonio’s efficiency.
The Spurs shot 51% overall, made 43% of their three-pointers, and converted 23-of-27 free throws, dominating both ends of the floor. San Antonio outrebounded the Bucks 50-37, with Champagnie securing 11 boards and Wembanyama adding 10.
The win improves San Antonio to 28-13, tied for third in the Western Conference, while Milwaukee falls to 17-24, 11th in the East. The Spurs host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, and the Bucks visit Atlanta on Monday.
