Wembanyama's 36 points lead Spurs past Jazz in 117-111 OT thriller

Victor Wembanyama finished with 36 points and 14 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Utah Jazz 117-111 in overtime on Wednesday night in Salt Lake City. The Spurs, who improved to 3-2, trailed by as many as 11 points in the first half but used a defensive surge to secure their third consecutive victory.

Devin Vassell provided a critical second scoring threat, contributing 17 of his 21 total points after halftime. His late-game production helped offset an early offensive slump that left San Antonio trailing 55-51 at the break, despite Wembanyama scoring 21 points in the first two quarters.

The Jazz, now 1-4, relied heavily on Keyonte George, who set a season high with 31 points. Ace Bailey added 19 points, and rookie Darryn Peterson recorded 18 but sat out the final stretch and overtime. Brice Sensabaugh opened the extra period with a three-pointer, but the Spurs answered with a 12-0 run that sealed the result.

San Antonio’s defense limited Utah to 2-for-7 shooting from the field in overtime and forced four turnovers. The Jazz entered the fourth quarter trailing 105-100, but Sensabaugh and George hit back-to-back baskets to force the extra frame after the Spurs missed their last four field goal attempts in regulation.

Utah played without three starting big men. Jaren Jackson missed the game with a torn right knee MCL, Lauri Markkanen sat out with a right wrist sprain, and Jusuf Nurkic is out for the season with a foot injury. The Spurs are missing Tobias Harris due to a strained calf, but the team maintains a strong health outlook among its Western Conference contenders.

Both teams return to action on Saturday, with San Antonio hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah facing the Portland Trail Blazers.