Dominant Wemby: Monster 43-Point Game Pushes Spurs Past Timberwolves on Halloween
Wembanyama leads the scoring
Wembanyama came to the Frost Bank Center dressed as Geralt of Rivia, the monster-slayer from Halloween. He delivered 43 points, seven rebounds and six blocks in San Antonio's 121-111 victory.
He attempted 34 shots, a new career high, and kept shooting after misses from deep. Dylan Harper added a regular-season career-best 25 points, while De'Aaron Fox scored 22 on 10 attempts and led the team in assists and rebounds.
Finding a winning rhythm
Wembanyama has said that playing with enjoyment brings out his best. He described how experience helps him recognize which styles of play produce positive results, while acknowledging that performance has ups and downs.
Coach Mitch Johnson said the team aims to find the best available shot on each possession, even if it cannot do so every time. Wembanyama's teammates backed his confidence to take open looks; Harper said he wanted Wembanyama to shoot decisively.
Attacking near the basket
The Spurs worked to get Wembanyama the ball closer to the rim, using pick-and-roll lobs against a Timberwolves defense without Rudy Gobert. Johnson praised Wembanyama's screening and rolling, and said his teammates needed to trust the pass and space around him.
Wembanyama also showed his range, making deep shots late in the first half after missing four from beyond the arc. Harper said the matchup's competitive edge brought out the best in the Spurs and in him.
Harper and Castle contribute
Harper battled for a loose ball after a hit from Jonathan Kuminga, then later finished a transition play with a forceful dunk. His 25 points marked a regular-season career high.
Castle was listed as questionable with a migraine but played, recording no points, six rebounds and four assists. Johnson praised him for taking part despite the headache, saying the team needed his effort.
Key points
- Wembanyama scored 43 points and blocked six shots in the Spurs' 121-111 win.
- Dylan Harper scored a regular-season career-high 25 points.
- De'Aaron Fox scored 22 points on 10 shots and led the team in assists and rebounds.
- Stephon Castle played through a migraine and finished with six rebounds and four assists.