San Antonio Controls Chicago from Start to Finish Behind a Dominant Second Quarter
V-Dub had another monster game last night leading the Spurs past Chicago 129-114, extending their current winning streak to nine games.
In continuing to make his case for this year’s MVP, the Spurs big man had a season-high 41 points and 16 rebounds while recording the fastest double-double in NBA history.
Wembanyama had 10 points and 10 rebounds in his first 8 minutes, 31 seconds of action, picking up his 10th rebound 1:55 into the second quarter. The next fastest was recorded by Jim Washington of the St. Louis Hawks who posted a double-double in nine minutes against the New York Knicks on March 6, 1966.
ICYMI: Iceman Trademark Fight Between Gervin and Williams
The young Frenchman was 17 for 27 (63%) from the field and 3 for 6 (50%) on 3-pointers in just 31 minutes. He also had four assists and three blocks. It was the 14th time he’s scored at least 30 points this season. On the season he’s averaging 24 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks a game. He’s shooting 50% from the field, 33% from the land of three, and a remarkable 82% from the charity stripe.
Stephon Castle was two rebounds shy of his fifth career triple-double and finished the game with 21 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds. KJ and Dylan Harper once again anchored the Spurs bench with 15 points and 13 points respectively.
The Silver and black outscored the Bulls 35-19 in the second quarter to take a 64-47 halftime lead. The lead swelled to 29 points in the third quarter and the Spurs never looked back. The team is now 29-7 at the Frost Bank Center on the season.
Rebounds: A Key Stat
A key stat in the game was rebounds. The Spurs bludgeoned the Bulls 55-35 on the boards including 16 offensive rebounds to the Bulls’ seven.
Tre Jones had 23 points to lead Chicago in his first game in San Antonio since being traded to Chicago as part of the deal that brought De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs. Leonard Miller added 21 points and Collin Sexton had 20 as the Bulls lost their fourth straight.
The team still trails the Thunder by two games as they compete for the #1 overall seed with just seven games remaining. The Thunder for their part still have to face the Lakers twice, Denver, and Phoenix. Four of the final seven games for the Spurs are at the home at the Frost Bank Center. It’s quite possible that the Spurs can make up ground if they continue to take care of business and finish out strong.
Up Next:
@ Golden State (36-39, 10th place)
Wednesday, 4/1 @ 9pm
ESPN
@ LA Clippers (39-36, 8th place)
Thursday, 4/2 @ 930pm
@ Denver (48-28, 4th place)
Saturday, 4/4 @ 2pm
Prime Video
Vs Philadelphia (41-34, 7th place)
Monday, 4/6 @ 7pm
