Hold your breath, basketball fans! The San Antonio Spurs pulled off a stunning victory against the New York Knicks in a thrilling NBA Cup final rematch, with a final score of 134-132. But the win was overshadowed by a scary moment involving rising star Victor Wembanyama.
The game, which took place on January 1, 2026, saw Julian Champagnie explode with a career-high 36 points, setting a franchise record with 11 three-pointers! This performance was crucial as the Spurs rallied to overcome the Knicks.
Wembanyama, despite a leg injury scare, showcased his talent with 31 points and 13 rebounds in just 24 minutes. He had to leave the court with just over 10 minutes remaining due to an apparent leg injury. However, he returned to the bench later, adding to the drama of the game.
The Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson's 29 points, fought hard. Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordan Clarkson each added 20 points, but their three-game winning streak came to an end. Brunson's late three-pointer at the end of regulation added to the tension, especially after he stripped Keldon Johnson of possession.
Here's where it gets controversial... Wembanyama's injury occurred when he went up for an offensive rebound and landed awkwardly. Replays showed no contact, but his left foot slid, and his knee appeared to hyperextend. The crowd held their breath as he headed to the locker room.
Thankfully, Wembanyama returned to the bench in the final minutes, cheering on his team as they secured the win and snapped a two-game losing streak.
Champagnie's fourth-quarter performance was pivotal, scoring 12 points and sinking 4 out of 5 three-pointers, helping the Spurs erase a double-digit deficit. His record-breaking 11 three-pointers surpassed the previous franchise record of 9 held by Chuck Person since December 30, 1997.
The Knicks outscored the Spurs 28-27 in the second quarter, but Wembanyama's presence was critical, as he scored 16 points in that period.
A highlight of the game was Wembanyama's one-handed slam off an alley-oop pass, which energized the crowd. However, the Knicks responded with a 17-2 run following a timeout and Wembanyama's exit, including 14 unanswered points.
And this is the part most people miss... Wembanyama also made his 300th career three-pointer, becoming the fastest 7-footer to reach this milestone, achieving it in just 138 games, beating Lauri Markkanen's previous record of 141 games.
What do you think? Did Wembanyama's injury impact the game significantly? Do you think Champagnie's performance was the turning point? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Up next:
- Knicks: Host Sacramento on Thursday.
- Spurs: At Indiana on Friday.
