SAN ANTONIO — In a dazzling display of talent, Victor Wembanyama scored an astounding 42 points, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a nail-biting 133-126 overtime victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night.

The young French phenom was instrumental in the game, contributing eight points in the extra period alone.

Wembanyama finished the night shooting 13 for 24 from the field, with an impressive 7 of 15 from beyond the arc. Beyond his scoring prowess, he also offered valuable support on the boards with six rebounds, orchestrated the offense with five assists, and showcased his defensive skills with four blocks and two steals. This remarkable performance solidifies Wembanyama's status as one of the league's most exciting prospects.

On the other end of the court, De’Andre Hunter led the Hawks with 27 points, while star guard Trae Young recorded a double-double with 23 points and 16 assists, and Jalen Johnson added 22 points to the scoreboard.

San Antonio also saw a notable performance from Devin Vassell, who returned to the starting lineup for the first time this season after recovering from offseason foot surgery, scoring 23 points. This allowed the Spurs to finally field their projected starting lineup for the first time this season. Jeremy Sochan also made a significant impact with 20 points, while veteran Chris Paul stepped up during crunch time, scoring 10 of his 12 points in the fourth quarter and overtime. Notably, Paul executed a crucial four-point play that shifted momentum back to the Spurs in the final moments of regulation.

Key Moments:

The game featured an electrifying exchange of three-pointers in the closing 90 seconds, with Atlanta momentarily holding a 118-115 lead. This was punctuated by successful shots from Young, Vassell, and Johnson. However, Paul's foul on his three-point attempt and subsequent free throw pushed the Spurs ahead 119-118 with just 57 seconds left in the game.

Key Stat:

The Spurs showcased their resilience by launching a 25-14 run that turned the game around in the second half, overcoming an 11-point deficit from the first half.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, both teams will be back in action on Saturday night. The Hawks will face off against the Memphis Grizzlies, while the Spurs will stay in San Antonio to take on the Portland Trail Blazers. With Wembanyama's rising stardom and the healthy return of Vassell, the Spurs look poised for future success as the NBA season unfolds.

Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses and catch the next thrilling showdown!