Victor Wembanyama’s Fourth-Quarter Heroics Propel Spurs to Stunning Comeback Over Warriors
SAN ANTONIO — If you needed a reminder of why Victor Wembanyama is one of the most exciting young talents in the NBA, Saturday night’s game against the Golden State Warriors was a masterclass. After shaking off some early rust following a three-game absence, the 7-foot-4 phenom flipped the switch in the fourth quarter, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a thrilling 104-94 comeback victory. This wasn’t just any win—it was the Spurs’ second-largest comeback of the season and a statement performance from their rising star.
“I thought he was a grown man in the fourth quarter,” Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson said, summing up Wembanyama’s late-game dominance.
Spurs Make History with Back-to-Back Comebacks
Just three days after rallying from a 20-point deficit to beat the Utah Jazz, the Spurs found themselves in another deep hole, trailing the Warriors by 17 points late in the third quarter. But this young San Antonio squad showed resilience, mounting a 40-13 run to close out the game. It marked the first time since 2017 that the Spurs overcame 15-plus point deficits in consecutive games. Talk about grit!
Golden State, playing on the second night of a back-to-back, suffered its largest blown lead of the season. For the Warriors, it was a tough pill to swallow. “It was a good learning lesson of capturing and maintaining momentum when you’ve done enough to separate yourself,” said Stephen Curry, who had a front-row seat to Wembanyama’s late-game brilliance.
Wembanyama’s Fourth-Quarter Takeover
Wembanyama finished the night with a game-high 25 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, and three blocks. But it was his fourth-quarter performance that stole the show. The 20-year-old scored 12 of his 25 points in the final frame, adding five assists and two blocks to his stat line. One of those blocks ignited a personal seven-point scoring spree, which included a steal, as the Spurs erased a six-point deficit in just 1:40.
“I did find my rhythm physically,” Wembanyama said after the game. “It was a little hard to come back in terms of conditioning in the first half. There’s a switch I’m trying to flip on demand. Strong catches, quick moves, not holding the ball, but also taking my time, taking shots with confidence, good feet, and good preparation for the shot.”
His fearless approach was evident throughout the game. Despite starting cold—hitting just 3-of-9 shots in the first half and missing his first five two-point attempts—Wembanyama never wavered. By halftime, he had already taken six three-pointers, connecting on two. When asked if he ever considered dialing back his shooting, Wembanyama jokingly replied, “Stop shooting? Never.”
Key Moments and Stats
- Wembanyama’s fourth-quarter dominance included a stretch where he scored seven straight points, turning a six-point deficit into a one-point game.
- The Spurs outscored the Warriors 13-2 in fast-break points, showcasing their ability to capitalize on transition opportunities.
- Wembanyama’s three blocks extended his streak of games with multiple blocks to 13, the longest such streak in the NBA this season.
“He embraces moments for sure,” Johnson said. “I thought his fundamentals, especially late tonight, were elite. When he does that, it’ll be scary to adjust to.”
Warriors Struggle to Contain “The Alien”
Golden State coach Steve Kerr had high praise for Wembanyama after the game. “He was amazing, blocking shots, thwarting others, just being a presence in the paint,” Kerr said. “It was an impressive performance by him and by the whole team, defensively.”
Veteran point guard Chris Paul echoed those sentiments, marveling at Wembanyama’s unique skill set. “Vic’s confidence never wavers, and it’s so dope to see,” Paul said. “He’s confident. He knows the next one’s going in. Vic was huge, just being his first game back. The defense, the shots. The plays that he made tonight were all winning plays. He’s an alien. He’s just so unique.”
Looking Ahead
Saturday’s game marked Wembanyama’s first action since Nov. 15, when he suffered a bruised right knee that sidelined him for three games. During his absence, the Spurs managed to secure back-to-back wins over Oklahoma City and Utah, with veteran Harrison Barnes stepping up in a big way. But there’s no denying the energy and excitement Wembanyama brings to the court. With eight 20-point outings in just 14 appearances this season, the Frenchman is proving he’s the real deal.
As the Spurs continue to develop their young core, performances like this one from Wembanyama will only fuel the hype. If he can consistently “flip the switch” like he did in the fourth quarter against Golden State, the sky’s the limit for both him and this team.
Originally Written by: Andrew Lopez
