NBA: Victor Wembanyama's 25-point quarter sparks Spurs' rout of Lakers

Victor Wembanyama scored 37 of his 40 points in the first half as the San Antonio Spurs dominated the Los Angeles Lakers 136-108 on Tuesday. Carter Bryant added a career-high 16 points off the bench, helping the Spurs turn a fast start into a commanding victory.

Wembanyama put up 25 points in the first quarter, setting a San Antonio record for most points in a period since play-by-play statistics began. He also grabbed 12 rebounds while shooting 13 of 20 from the floor before leaving for good in the third quarter with the game well in hand.

Dylan Harper contributed 15 points and Harrison Barnes added 11 as the Spurs matched a season high with their fifth straight win. Stephon Castle recorded two points and seven assists in 12 minutes before leaving the game with a pelvic contusion in the second quarter. He did not return.

The Spurs secured the season series over the Lakers 3-1. Los Angeles was without several key players, including Luka Doncic (hamstring), LeBron James (foot), Austin Reaves (calf), Deandre Ayton (knee), and Marcus Smart (ankle). Drew Timme and Luke Kennard each scored 14 points for the Lakers, while Bronny James posted a season-high 12 points in 25 minutes. The loss marked back-to-back defeats for Los Angeles, their first consecutive losses since Jan. 15-17.

San Antonio jumped to a 14-4 lead within three minutes and finished the first quarter ahead 47-30. The Spurs led by as many as 30 points in the second quarter and took an 84-55 advantage into halftime, tying the second-highest-scoring first half in franchise history. It was also the most points the Spurs had scored against the Lakers in a first half.

Wembanyama’s 3-pointer with 4:13 left in the third quarter gave San Antonio a 100-68 lead, prompting him to leave the game. The Spurs shot 63.8% in the first half and finished at 56.5% for the game, while the Lakers shot 44.7% at halftime and 48.2% overall.

—Field Level Media/Reuters