Wembanyama leads Spurs past Jazz in overtime thriller
The Spurs outlasted a short-handed Utah squad behind a 36-point performance from their French star.
By Pedro Barnes ·
Victor Wembanyama scored 36 points and grabbed 14 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Utah Jazz 117-111 in overtime on Wednesday night in Salt Lake City. The victory gives San Antonio its third consecutive win and improves its record to 3-2. Utah, playing without three key starters, falls to 1-4.
The Spurs faced an early deficit, trailing by as many as 11 points. Wembanyama kept the team in the game with 21 points in the first half, helping them trail only 55-51 at the break. Devin Vassell provided a spark late, scoring 17 of his 21 total points after halftime. His second-half scoring gave San Antonio a reliable option when Utah controlled the early minutes.
Utah leaned heavily on Keyonte George, who posted a season-high 31 points. Ace Bailey contributed 19 points, and rookie Darryn Peterson added 18. However, Peterson did not play in the final stretch of regulation or in overtime. Brice Sensabaugh scored 16 points and opened the extra period with a three-pointer for the Jazz.
The Spurs answered Sensabaugh’s lead with a 12-0 run to close the game. Their defensive pressure forced Utah into difficult, late shots near the shot clock. San Antonio forced four turnovers and limited Utah to just two made field goals on seven attempts during the extra period. This defensive intensity secured the win for the Spurs.
The Jazz missed their final four field goal attempts in regulation, including a buzzer-beater from De’Aaron Fox. Sensabaugh and George hit consecutive baskets to send the contest to overtime after San Antonio had led 105-100. The extra period proved decisive for the visitors.
Utah played shorthanded with three big men out. Jaren Jackson missed the game with a torn MCL in his right knee. Lauri Markkanen sat out with a right wrist sprain, and Jusuf Nurkic has not played this season due to a foot injury. San Antonio was missing Tobias Harris, who has a strained calf, but the team maintains strong health among its remaining roster members.
Both teams return to action on Saturday. The Spurs will host the Minnesota Timberwolves at home. The Jazz will welcome the Portland Trail Blazers to Salt Lake City.
