Wembanyama was injured in the first half, after which the club announced via social media that the 22-year-old center would not return to the court. In just under 16 minutes of play, the leading candidate for the league's best defensive player scored 17 points, along with five rebounds and three blocks.
Including this game, the Frenchman has played 64 games this season, which is one game or about 20 minutes short of the required minimum to be eligible for individual awards at the end of the regular season, including the league MVP recognition.
In his absence, the most efficient for the home team was Stephon Castle with 19 points, along with 10 rebounds and 13 assists for a triple-double performance. For the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid was the best with 34 points and 12 rebounds.
At the top of the Western Conference and the entire league, the Oklahoma City Thunder remain with a record of 62-16, while San Antonio has one more game and two fewer wins.
In the battle for third place, the Denver Nuggets (51-28) are looking stronger, having overcome the Portland Trail Blazers (40-39) with a score of 137:132 after a comeback in the fourth quarter and overtime.
Portland had a 17-point lead in the final quarter and was up by ten with four minutes remaining. However, the home team forced overtime and had a chance to win, but Nikola Jokiฤ missed the final shot in regulation. In the extra five minutes, Denver was better and secured its ninth consecutive victory. Jokiฤ finished the game with another triple-doubleโ35 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists.
In the standings, the Nuggets have one more win than the Los Angeles Lakers (50-28), who will be without the injured Luka Donฤiฤ and Austin Reaves until the end of the regular season and for some time into the playoffs.
Right behind the Lakers, who face a tough duel against Oklahoma on Wednesday night, are the Houston Rockets (49-29).
In the East, the third-placed New York Knicks (51-28) defeated the fifth-placed Atlanta Hawks (45-34) on the road with a score of 108:105. Jalen Brunson scored 30 points with 13 assists, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker of the Hawks contributed 36 points.
An important victory in the battle for direct playoff qualification (among the top six) was achieved by the Orlando Magic (43-36), who defeated the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons (57-22) with a score of 123:107, despite still missing Cade Cunningham. The most efficient for the Magic was Paolo Banchero with 31 points, while Desmond Bane added 25.
In the battle for sixth place, alongside Orlando, are the Charlotte Hornets and Philadelphia with records of 43-36, as well as the Toronto Raptors, who have one fewer game and a record of 43-35.
In the final game of the evening, the Cleveland Cavaliers (50-29) convincingly defeated the Memphis Grizzlies with a score of 142:126. Evan Mobley, Dennis Schrรถder, and Sam Merrill each scored over 20 points, while Donovan Mitchell and James Harden were absent.
The NBA regular season concludes on Sunday night into Monday.
Atlanta Hawks - New York Knicks 105:108 Orlando Magic - Detroit Pistons 123:107 Memphis Grizzlies - Cleveland Cavaliers 126:142 San Antonio Spurs - Philadelphia 76ers 115:102 Denver Nuggets - Portland Trail Blazers 137:132 (overtime)