Wembanyama scores 31 before knee scare in Spurs’ 134-132 win vs Knicks
134-132: Wembanyama explodes for 31 pts and 13 reb before exiting with a hyperextended knee as San Antonio holds off New York on New Year's Eve.
In a New Year’s Eve thriller at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, the Spurs edged the New York Knicks 134-132 on December 31, 2025, in a regular season rematch of the NBA Cup final — but the victory was quickly overshadowed by a concerning injury to Victor Wembanyama, who hyperextended his left knee and did not finish the game.
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31 points, 13 rebounds, and an early exit: a night of highs and lows
Through the first half, the Frost Bank Center buzzed with energy as Wembanyama imposed his will on both ends of the floor. The n°1 pick of the 2023 Draft was virtually unstoppable in his 24 minutes of action, shooting an efficient 10-of-12 from the field, converting both three-point attempts, and drawing contact to go 9-of-10 from the free-throw line. His +17 plus/minus told the story of how dominant San Antonio was whenever he was on the court.
The Knicks, buoyed by Jalen Brunson’s orchestration and a clutch performance from Miles McBride, kept the game close through the third quarter. Karl-Anthony Towns posted 20 points and 7 rebounds, while Brunson finished with 29 points and 8 assists, applying constant pressure on the Spurs’ defense. New York trailed but refused to fold, setting the stage for a chaotic final frame.
Late in the game, a non-contact incident saw the French phenom leave the court after hyperextending his left knee — a moment that silenced the arena and shifted the entire narrative of the evening. With Wembanyama sidelined, San Antonio had to dig deep to preserve the two-point lead.
Champagnie ignites and Fox steadies the ship in the clutch
When the pivot des Spurs was forced to the bench, Julian Champagnie stepped into the spotlight in spectacular fashion. The forward scorched the Knicks for a game-high 36 points, connecting on an extraordinary 11-of-17 from beyond the arc — a performance that carried San Antonio across the finish line. His +24 rating underscored just how critical his contribution was in the final minutes.
De’Aaron Fox complemented Champagnie with a steady 26 points and 7 assists, including three steals that disrupted New York’s late-game rhythm. Keldon Johnson chipped in 19 points and 8 rebounds, going a perfect 9-of-9 from the stripe when it mattered most. Collectively, the Spurs demonstrated enough depth to survive the loss of their franchise cornerstone and seal a dramatic 134-132 victory.
Wembanyama’s stat line in 24 minutes of brilliance
- 31 points (10/12 FG, 2/2 3PT, 9/10 FT)
- 13 rebounds
- 1 assist, 1 block
- +17 plus/minus
Injury concern clouds a statement win for San Antonio
Victor Wembanyama’s performance and health update
The numbers Victor Wembanyama produced in just 24 minutes were nothing short of extraordinary — a 31-point, 13-rebound double-double on 83% shooting. However, the hyperextension of his left knee instantly became the dominant storyline. According to Yahoo Sports, the Frenchman expressed confidence post-game, saying “I’ll be all right” — and the New York Times reported he hopes to return from the injury as early as next week.
A deeper Spurs roster emerges
San Antonio’s ability to close out the Knicks without their star for a significant stretch is a meaningful data point for a franchise still building its identity. Champagnie’s career night and Fox’s steady leadership suggest that head coach Gregg Popovich’s staff has cultivated genuine depth around the generational talent. The 134-132 final also marks a statement win over a legitimate Eastern Conference contender in what was billed as an NBA Cup final rematch.
What’s next for the Spurs
All eyes will now be on Wembanyama’s recovery timeline as San Antonio heads into the new year. The Spurs will need their cornerstone healthy sooner rather than later, as the second half of the regular season will demand maximum effort from every contender in the West. If the phénomène returns within a week as hoped, this dramatic New Year’s Eve win could prove to be a turning point — proof that this team is capable of competing at the highest level, with or without him on the floor.