Victor Wembanyama Scores 30 in Return, Spurs Fall to Grizzlies

Posted : 07 January 2026

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama made a strong return on Tuesday after missing the previous two games with a bone bruise in his left knee, finishing with a game-high 30 points off the bench in a narrow 106-105 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. This performance marked Wembanyama’s first career 30-point game as a reserve, according to ESPN Research.

“The fact is we play down to the level of the opponent,” Wembanyama said. “The good thing is we can match up with anybody and look everybody in the eyes. But the bad thing is we look everybody in the eyes, and sometimes we should just put people away. Most of the time, we execute well. But we don't finish plays and possessions. We just keep people in the games.”

The Spurs managed Wembanyama’s comeback cautiously, bringing him off the bench and limiting his minutes, similar to his return earlier this season from a left calf strain that sidelined him for 12 games. He played 21 minutes before leaving the game and watched the final 3:46 from the bench, a period that featured five lead changes.

“[It was] very hard,” Wembanyama admitted. “I've got to trust the process, got to trust my staff. Basketball, it's a team thing. We have to trust each other but at the same time hold each other accountable.” He is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers but is expected to play if he exits Tuesday’s contest without soreness.

The 22-year-old injured his knee on New Year’s Eve in a collision with Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordan Clarkson during a rebound attempt against the New York Knicks. An MRI revealed no ligament damage, though the hyperextension forced him to sit out the remainder of the game. Wembanyama has now missed 14 games due to injury and can miss only four more to remain eligible for postseason awards.

Spurs coach Mitch Johnson emphasized that Wembanyama’s long-term health takes priority over short-term considerations, including the league’s 65-game rule for award eligibility. “We want him to be healthy for years, not just for the next couple of games,” Johnson said. Wembanyama also acknowledged he is aware of the threshold but relies on the medical staff to keep it from being a major factor in his return.

Victor Wembanyama Scores 30 in Return, Spurs Fall to Grizzlies

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