Wembanyama's 52 points expose the Mavs' biggest weakness

Victor Wembanyama's 52-Point Night Headlines Major NBA News And Roster Shakeups.

The San Antonio Spurs secured a thrilling 112-111 regular-season victory over the rival Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, November 4, 2026.

Victor Wembanyama anchored the entire performance by logging a spectacular, career-high 52 points in 34 minutes of action.

He completed an historic stat line by adding 24 rebounds and eight blocked shots while shooting 16-of-28 from the field.

The young center went 19-of-23 from the free-throw line, hitting the definitive game-winning shot from the stripe.

Dallas mounted a ferocious second-half comeback after trailing by an overall deficit of 19 points during the contest.

Kyrie Irving led the charge for the Mavericks by scoring 29 points, though he missed a potential game-winning jumper in the final seconds.

Naji Marshall provided a massive spark off the bench, going 9-of-12 from the floor to finish with 22 points.

With the tight win secured, San Antonio extends its winning streak to six consecutive games.

Wembanyama had 29 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks in the first half to become the first player since the NBA's play-by-play era began in 1996-97 with at least 25 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks in a half.

He's the first player to reach 50 points and 20 rebounds in a one-point win since Wilt Chamberlain in 1964.

Wembanyama is just the ninth player in NBA history with a 50-20 performance, and the first since Luka Doncic in 2022.

He's just the third player to do it with five blocks, along with Chamberlain and Bob McAdoo.

The 7-foot-4 center from France was 16 for 28 from the field, including seven dunks, but 1 for 8 on 3-pointers.

The Spurs have won six straight and swept a three-game homestand.

San Antonio has not lost since dropping the season's first two games to Oklahoma City and Houston.

Wembanyama has averaged 32.5 points during the streak despite being under the weather with a virus.

"I haven't been feeling great lately," Wembanyama said.

"I've been sick for a while, and today I felt like I got my legs back."

"So it should be more like this, more often."

And amazingly enough, Wembanyama believes he can "still do more."

"I mean, my shots weren't falling tonight and that forces me into a style of play that is exhausting," he said.

"I can do it."

"I mean the proof is here."

"I can do it, but I can be much better if my shots fall."

"I know it's just a matter of time."

Wembanyama had two putbacks in the final 2:39.

He missed his first three free throws in the final 2:10, but made one with 24 seconds left for the final margin of victory.

His 29.0 points, 12.4 rebounds and 4.5 blocks per game this season are all career-highs.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Now, the question that hangs over this game: who exactly were the Mavericks missing?

The Mavericks entered the night without their primary rim protector and interior defender.

That absence was exposed brutally by Wembanyama's historic performance.

Dallas had no answer for the 7-foot-4 center in the paint.

He attacked the rim at will, scoring seven dunks and drawing fouls that led to 19 free-throw attempts.

The Mavericks' defense collapsed repeatedly, unable to contain Wembanyama without their defensive anchor.

Kyrie Irving's 29 points and Naji Marshall's 22 points off the bench were not enough to compensate.

Dallas trailed by 19 points in the first half before mounting their comeback.

But Wembanyama's presence in the final minutes — two putbacks and the game-winning free throw — sealed the result.

The loss drops the Mavericks to a record that leaves them scrambling in the Western Conference standings.

Meanwhile, the Spurs continue their ascent with six straight wins.

Wembanyama's performance has drawn comparisons to the greatest big men in NBA history.

Colin Cowherd explained why Victor Wembanyama is a historically unique big man.