Victor Wembanjama disappointing, Lakers won against Spurs

Spurs got off to the best start, helped by Marcus Smart’s flagrant foul after just three minutes of play. Julian Champagne he has a hot hand, and San Antonio doesn’t need a big one Victor Vembanyama to open the first gap (10-20). The Lakers are not panicking Luka Dončić takes care of everything, as is often the case. Creative, the Slovenian added a big defensive presence in the first quarter with three tackles and two blocks. This partly compensates for his clumsy shooting (4/11 and 4/7 on free throws), and above all it allows Los Angeles to increase the score while “Wemby” he breathes on the bench.

The Frenchman is back, but quickly commits two consecutive fouls, and after a few minutes comes with three fouls. And Luka Dončić a minute later! But if Vembanjama remains on the bench, Doncic remains in the game. It’s a bold bet, but it pays off as the Los Angeles master of the game changes everything. Rui Hachimura they follow suit and the Lakers pick up. Spurs are holding up well in attack Keldon Johnson etc Jeremy Sochan leaves the bench, and the discussions are balanced. The last second raises the temperature a bit, while the whistle could cost Vembanjama a fourth foul. But the referees reject the challenge of JJ Reddick and everything remains to be done at the break (60-59).

Error management, the deciding factor

Instead of Vembanyama, Luka Doncic received his fourth quick foul in the third quarter. That doesn’t stop the Lakers from continuing their plan on Victor Wembanyama by trying to get him as far away from the circle as possible. But the strategy freed up Spurs shooters Harrison Barnes in the lead, author of a perfect 3/3 three-pointer in that period. Vembanjama does not force it, but uses his technique to knock after the Eurostep. The guests first scored 8-0 and then 12-3 to distance themselves. The whistles rained down (24 free throws made in the third quarter, including 16 for San Antonio) much to the frustration of the Lakers, who were down eight points to start the final period.

The Angelinos struck with the fifth quick foul received by Victor Vembanyama. But Socan does a lot of good with his aggressiveness near the rim in transition or on the offensive rebound. And it’s Dončić’s turn to commit his fifth foul! The end of the match was suffocating, and Deandre Ayton did a good job for the home team, who returned to one possession five minutes from the end. Victor Wembanyama struggles offensively and Smart equalizes with just over three minutes remaining. Then Doncic gives the Lakers the advantage with a big shot from distance (113-112), and Vembanjama is sent off for another offensive foul.

The Spurs had free throws in overtime

The final minute turns into a free-throw contest, and after Kelly Olynyk’s shot, the Lakers find themselves with a layup with 1.2 seconds left to seal the win. Except that Smart goes on the line, and returns the ball to Spurs! On the final possession, LaRavia fouls Julian Champagne who has shots to steal overtime. It’s just that he misses the first one, then deliberately inevitably misses the second one, and the Lakers win 118-116!

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Vembanjama in difficulties. Not surprisingly, the Lakers watched the Suns and Spurs meet, and “Wemby” was once again embarrassed, even stifled. The Frenchman had no impact in the first week, and this meeting ended with 19 points on 5 of 14 shots, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 5 turnovers and 6 fouls…

Jeremy Sochan, Kelly Olynyk and Lindy Waters III make their debuts. In the infirmary since the beginning of the season, three players played for the first time in 2025-2026. Socan was very strong (16 points), while Waters III was a welcome addition to the rotation following Dylan Harper’s injury.

And five for the Lakers. Still without LeBron James, the Lakers are well placed in 2nd place in their conference with 7 wins and 2 losses. They won their 5th in a row tonight.

How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.