In his initial encounter with NBA superstar LeBron James, 19-year-old French player Victor Wembanyama emerged victorious as the San Antonio Spurs ended their 18-game losing streak with a 129-115 win against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Two days after losing to the Lakers in a game where Lebron James didn’t play, the San Antonio Spurs ended their longest losing streak in team history. Devin Vassell had a career-high 36 points for San Antonio, and seven Spurs players, including Wembanyama, scored in double digits. Wembanyama, who has been compared to James when he entered the league 20 years ago, had 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, two blocked shots, and two steals.
It was the rookie’s fifth game this season with multiple blocks and steals. James, a four-time NBA champion who will soon turn 39, scored 23 points with seven rebounds and 14 assists. However, without Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, and Cam Reddish, the Lakers trailed throughout the game.
Philadelphia 76ers 124, Detroit Pistons 92
The Detroit Pistons endured a franchise-record 22nd consecutive loss as they were defeated 124-92 by the 76ers in Philadelphia. Joel Embiid, the NBA Most Valuable Player for Philadelphia, scored 35 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for his ninth consecutive double-double. The Sixers, who secured their fifth consecutive win, were also supported by Tyrese Maxey’s 19 points. The Pistons had previously equaled their longest losing streak with a defeat to Philadelphia. Their current streak is the sixth-longest in a single NBA season. The record for the longest losing streak in a single season is held by Cleveland in 2010/11 and Philadelphia in 2013/14, both enduring 26 straight defeats.
New York Knicks 139, Phoenix Suns 122
Jalen Brunson scored a career-high 50 points, making all nine of his three-point attempts in the Knicks’ 139-122 win over the Suns in Phoenix. Brunson was flawless in the second half, going 12-for-12 from the field, including eight three-pointers. The Suns’ loss was compounded by Bradley Beal’s early departure due to an ankle injury.
Boston Celtics 128, Orlando Magic 111
The Boston Celtics, who are leading the Eastern Conference, maintained their undefeated record at home by defeating the Orlando Magic 128-111. Jayson Tatum contributed 30 points to the victory, while Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Payton Pritchard added 19, 18, and 21 points respectively. Despite the absence of Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet, the Celtics improved to 13-0 at TD Garden and 19-5 for the season. The Magic, led by Jalen Suggs with 19 points, dropped to fourth place in the East behind the Celtics, Bucks, and 76ers.
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