Spurs Fall to Clippers 128-116 Despite Wembanyama’s Historic Streak

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The San Antonio Spurs‘ January struggles continued Wednesday night as they fell 128-116 to the Los Angeles Clippers at Frost Bank Center, despite a historic performance from rookie Victor Wembanyama.

Playing their first home game in 12 days, the Spurs (15-32) couldn’t overcome a fully healthy Clippers squad led by Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell, who each scored 27 points. The loss marked San Antonio’s seventh defeat in their last eight games.

Wembanyama, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, recorded 23 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks. The French phenom extended his NBA-record streak to 35 consecutive games with both a block and a three-pointer, surpassing Kristaps Porzingis‘ previous mark of 21 games.

‘We fought hard, but they just made more plays down the stretch,’ Wembanyama said postgame. ‘We need to find ways to finish games stronger.’

The Spurs trailed by 16 points in the third quarter but rallied to take multiple leads in the fourth. However, the Clippers (30-17) dominated the final minutes, capitalizing on free throws and offensive rebounds. Ivica Zubac proved particularly problematic, finishing with 21 points and 22 rebounds.

San Antonio’s struggles coincided with Leonard playing extended minutes for the first time this season. The former Spurs star, who had been on a minutes restriction following offseason surgery, played the entire fourth quarter.

The Spurs will look to bounce back Friday when they host the Milwaukee Bucks at 7 p.m. CST in the first game of a back-to-back before their annual Rodeo Road Trip.