By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
The NBA returned to action after the US midterm elections, and the European superstars stole the show once again.
Victor Wembanyama had career highs of 52 points and 24 rebounds, plus eight blocks as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Dallas Mavericks 112-111.
The French alien 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 1996-1997 with at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks in a half.
He is the second player since blocks became official in 1973-74 with at least 50 points, 20 rebounds, and five blocks in a game, joining Bob McAdoo in 1974. He also matched Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor as the only players in NBA history with at least 50 points and 20 rebounds in a one-point win.
Unstoppable Doncic
Luka Doncic scored 40 points for his sixth straight game with at least 35, and the Los Angeles Lakers prevailed over the Sacramento Kings 116-103.
The Slovenian star also grabbed nine rebounds and seven assists, and he has scored 308 points so far in the season, playing in eight of Los Angeles’ nine games, becoming the first player to top 300 in his first eight games of a season since Michael Jordan, who scored 303 in 1988-89.
The only player to score more points in his first eight games of a season was Wilt Chamberlain, who did it three times, with a high of 418 points in his first eight games in 1962-63.
Jokic doing it all again
Nikola Jokic had 32 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds for his third triple-double this season to lead the Denver Nuggets over the Toronto Raptors 128-109.
This was the 90th triple-double registered by Jokic before the start of the fourth quarter and the 201st in his career, as it’s just a matter of time for the Serbian giant to surpass Russell Westbrook, who has 209 in his career, the top on the All-Time list.
Turkish big man Alperen Sengun also had a triple-double (17 p., 12 r., 10 as.), but the Rockets lost to Minnesota 117-107. French center Rudy Gobert had eight points, 11 rebounds and four blocks for the winners.
Giannis survives the Clippers
Last but not least, Giannis Antetokounmpo assisted on the three-pointer made by Klay Thompson that gave the Miami Heat the 117-116 overtime road win over the LA Clippers.
The Greek Freak finished the night with 27 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and three blocks.
He also had big help from Thompson, who had 30 points on 8/17 threes, and Bam Adebayo, who was the top scorer of the Heat with 35 points, plus 10 rebounds and four assists.
Wednesday Results
Detroit Pistons – Philadelphia 76ers 106-112
Washington Wizards – Atlanta Hawks 105-120
Boston Celtics – Milwaukee Bucks 109-102
Brooklyn Nets – Charlotte Hornets 114-104
New York Knicks – Chicago Bulls 135-105
Memphis Grizzlies – Indiana Pacers 103-107
New Orleans Pelicans – Utah Jazz 120-113
Oklahoma City Thunder – Cleveland Cavaliers 124-116
Houston Rockets – Minnesota Timberwolves 107-117
Denver Nuggets – Toronto Raptors 128-109
Phoenix Suns – Portland Trail Blazers 119-132
San Antonio Spurs – Dallas Mavericks 112-111
Sacramento Kings – Los Angeles Lakers 103-116
LA Clippers – Miami Heat 116-117 (OT)
Standings
Eastern Conference
1. Philadelphia 76ers 7-1
2. Detroit Pistons 6-1
3. Boston Celtics 5-2
4. Cleveland Cavaliers 4-3
5. Washington Wizards 4-3
6. Toronto Raptors 4-3
7. Atlanta Hawks 4-4
8. New York Knicks 3-4
9. Charlotte Hornets 3-5
10. Miami Heat 2-5
11. Orlando Magic 2-5
12. Indiana Pacers 2-6
13. Chicago Bulls 1-6
14. Milwaukee Bucks 1-6
15. Brooklyn Nets 1-6
Western Conference
1. Houston Rockets 7-1
2. Memphis Grizzlies 6-1
3. Portland Trail Blazers 5-1
4. Los Angeles Lakers 6-2
5. Oklahoma City Thunder 5-2
6. San Antonio Spurs 5-2
7. Minnesota Timberwolves 5-3
8. Golden State Warriors 5-3
9. Dallas Mavericks 4-3
10. Denver Nuggets 3-3
11. New Orleans Pelicans 3-4
12. Phoenix Suns 1-4
13. Los Angeles Clippers 1-6
14. Sacramento Kings 1-6
15. Utah Jazz 1-6
-Top 6 teams in each conference advance directly to the Playoffs
-7th through 10th place teams in each conference qualify for the Play-In tournament
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