Warriors have no answer for Victor Wembanyama in 127-113 loss to Spurs
San Antonio's surging MVP candidate dropped 41 points and 18 rebounds as the Spurs cruised past the short-handed Warriors, 127-113.
With no Kristaps Porzingis, Gui Santos or Quinten Post in the front court, the shorthanded Golden State Warriors had no answer for San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama. On Wednesday night in San Francisco, Wembanyama showed why he's soaring up the MVP ladder down the final stretch of the NBA's regular season. In the opening minutes of Wednesday's contest, the Spurs took control, jumping on the Warriors 17-3 in the first four minutes of the game.
While the Warriors were able to close the distance and cut into San Antonio's early advantage, the Spurs were able to close to a 127-113 victory behind an impressive performance from Wembanyama. By halftime, the Spurs held a 21-point lead with Wembanyama recording 27 points and 13 rebounds in only 17 minutes. While Golden State was able to shave San Antonio's lead down, the Warriors couldn't dig out of their early deficit on the way to a 127-113 loss.
Wembanyama finished with 41 points, 18 rebounds, three assists and three blocks in 29 minutes on Wednesday night at Chase Center. Six other members of the Spurs scored in double figures, including former Warrior Harrison Barnes (13). Nate Williams led Golden State's short-handed rotation, scoring 18 points on 8-of-18 shooting from the field with four boards and two steals in 47 minutes.
Rookie LJ Cryer added 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting from the field in his first career start. With Steph Curry still sidelined, Draymond Green showed off from beyond the arc, drilling four 3-pointers on six attempts from deep. Green finished with 14 points against the Spurs.