Victor Wembanyama: 30 points in 21 minutes on his return, but watched crunch time from the bench!
Jan 6, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Victor Wembanyama (7’4″, 22 years old) made his return to the court Tuesday night after missing the last two games due to a bone contusion in his left knee. The French center scored 30 points on 10/20 shooting (including 3/6 from three-point range) in 21 minutes off the bench in the 106-105 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, setting a personal record for a game as a substitute.
SASA cautious management approach that frustrates the young prodigy
The Spurs adopted the same approach as during Wembanyama’s previous return after his left calf injury that sidelined him for 12 games earlier this season. San Antonio brought him off the bench with a minutes restriction, limiting his playing time to 21 minutes.
The just-turned 22-year-old had to watch from the bench for the final 3 minutes and 46 seconds of the game, a period that saw five lead changes between the two teams. « It was very difficult, » Wembanyama admitted. « I have to trust the process, trust my staff. Basketball is a team sport. We have to trust each other but at the same time hold each other accountable. »
Coach Mitch Johnson explained that both the medical team and himself were comfortable with Wembanyama’s return, specifying that all key indicators – coaching staff, medical team, and the player himself – « saw enough things to give it a try. » Johnson also emphasized the importance of long-term management: « We want him to be healthy for years, not just to try to win the next few games. »
The 65-game rule looms over the season
Wembanyama has now missed 14 games this season due to injuries and can only miss four more before losing his eligibility for end-of-season awards. This 65-game minimum rule is on everyone’s mind. « I pay attention to it, » admitted the Frenchman. « But the medical team tries to make it the smallest factor possible because as health professionals, it’s not something we’re supposed to do. »
Despite this encouraging performance, Wembanyama remains concerned about his team’s overall performance. « The fact is that we play to the level of the opponent, » he stated. « The good thing is that we can compete with anyone and look everyone in the eye. But the bad thing is that we look everyone in the eye, and sometimes we should just win. »
The French prodigy will be listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, but should play if he doesn’t feel any pain after his return to competition.
🇫🇷 Victor on his return to the court!
30 POINTS
5 REBOUNDS
3 ASSISTS
1 STL, 1 BLK
10/20 shooting
in 21 minutesThe Spurs fall in Memphis 105-106 pic.twitter.com/6WkpqzO5eQ
— NBA France (@NBAFRANCE) January 7, 2026
The Spurs still second in the West
Despite a controlled first period and up to an 11-point lead, the San Antonio Spurs let a valuable victory slip away in Memphis. After a brutal cold stretch coming out of halftime, the Texans regained the lead in crunch time, before going scoreless in the final two minutes and falling on the final possession to the Memphis Grizzlies (105-106). This setback doesn’t prevent San Antonio from remaining second in the Western Conference (25 wins, 11 losses), but the Spurs see the Los Angeles Lakers (23-11) closing in on them in the rearview mirror, despite the bench contribution and Victor Wembanyama’s 30 points.
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