Wembanyama leads Spurs past Jazz in overtime thriller

Victor Wembanyama scored 36 points and grabbed 14 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Utah Jazz 117-111 in overtime on Wednesday. The Spurs improved their record to 3-2 while the Jazz fell to 1-4 in Salt Lake City.

Utah held a lead of up to 11 points early in the contest. Wembanyama scored 21 points in the first half to keep the game close, but the visitors trailed 55-51 at halftime. Devin Vassell provided a spark after the break, scoring 17 of his 21 total points in the second half.

Keyonte George led the Jazz with a season-high 31 points. Ace Bailey contributed 19 points, and rookie Darryn Peterson added 18. However, Peterson did not play in the closing minutes of regulation or in overtime. George appeared fatigued as the clock wound down, struggling to sustain the Jazz offense.

The game went to extra time after Brice Sensabaugh and George hit consecutive baskets to tie the score at 105. The Spurs had missed their previous four field goal attempts in regulation, including a buzzer-beater by De’Aaron Fox. Sensabaugh opened overtime with a three-pointer, but San Antonio answered with a 12-0 run to close the game.

The Spurs' defense limited Utah's efficiency in the extra period. San Antonio forced four turnovers and held the Jazz to just two made baskets on seven attempts. The aggressive defensive pressure disrupted Utah's rhythm and forced contested shots near the shot clock.

The Jazz played without three starting big men. Jaren Jackson missed the game with a torn MCL in his right knee, Lauri Markkanen sat out with a right wrist sprain, and Jusuf Nurkic has not played this season due to a foot injury. Tobias Harris missed the game for San Antonio with a strained calf, but the Spurs remain one of the healthiest teams in the Western Conference.

San Antonio will host Minnesota on Saturday, while Utah will face Portland at home on the same day.