In a thrilling Sunday showdown for Filipino basketball fans, the San Antonio Spurs, powered by a second-half explosion from Victor Wembanyama, secured a hard-fought 100-95 victory over the Boston Celtics. The game, played on Saturday night in the US (Sunday, January 11, 2026, Philippine time), saw the French phenom shake off a slow start to become the decisive force down the stretch.
Wembanyama's Clutch Performance Seals the Deal
Victor Wembanyama didn't find his scoring touch until midway through the second quarter, but once he did, he took over the game. The towering center, playing in just his third game back from a sore knee, poured in 16 of his game-total 21 points after halftime. His most crucial moment came with a mere 19.2 seconds left on the clock, sinking a clutch jumper that effectively sealed the win for the Spurs.
Wembanyama's third-quarter performance was particularly dominant. He single-handedly went on a personal 9-0 scoring run, erasing a Boston lead and shifting the momentum firmly in San Antonio's favor. His ability to impact the game after a quiet start showcased his growing maturity and star power in the NBA.
Key Contributions Across the Spurs Roster
While Wembanyama provided the late-game heroics, he didn't carry the load alone. De'Aaron Fox matched his output with 21 points and came up with a vital steal in the game's closing moments. Keldon Johnson delivered a strong all-around performance, posting a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Johnson also hit a critical go-ahead three-pointer in the fourth quarter that helped swing the game.
For the Celtics, Derrick White led all scorers with an impressive 29 points in his return to San Antonio. The team held an 87-84 lead late after a three-pointer from Baylor Scheierman, but couldn't finish the job. The Spurs responded with a decisive 9-2 run to take control for good. Despite the loss, this was only Boston's third defeat in its last 12 games.
Other NBA Results from the Night
The night featured several other notable contests across the league:
- Los Angeles Clippers 98, Detroit Pistons 92: The Clippers engineered a stunning comeback, erasing a 19-point deficit to stun the short-handed Pistons. Kawhi Leonard led with 26 points, while the Clippers' defense forced 12 turnovers in the fourth quarter alone.
- Cleveland Cavaliers 146, Minnesota Timberwolves 134: A high-scoring affair saw the Cavaliers outlast the Timberwolves in an offensive showcase.
- Indiana Pacers 123, Miami Heat 99: The Pacers cruised to a comfortable victory over the Heat.
- Chicago Bulls 125, Dallas Mavericks 107: The Bulls handled business against the Mavericks with a solid team performance.
- Charlotte Hornets 150, Utah Jazz 95: The Hornets delivered the most dominant performance of the night, securing a massive 55-point road victory in Utah.
