Standing 7-foot-4 and weighing 235 pounds, Victor Wembanyama remains one of the most imposing figures in the NBA, and even seasoned arena staff can’t help but take notice.
As the San Antonio Spurs All-Star center walked toward the tunnel at Madison Square Garden ahead of a matchup with the New York Knicks, several arena workers paused to admire his size. In a league filled with elite athletes, Wembanyama‘s frame still manages to surprise.
The Spurs enter the nationally televised contest riding significant momentum. San Antonio ran the table in February, winning all 11 games during the month to vault into contention for the top record in the Western Conference. The streak marks the franchise’s longest since a 13-game run from late December 2015 to late January 2016.
Victor Wembanyama height mesmerizes New York Knicks staff workers
The Knicks delivered a big statement
The New York Knicks delivered a statement win Sunday night, snapping the San Antonio Spurs‘ 11-game winning streak with a decisive 114-89 victory at Madison Square Garden.Mikal Bridges led the way with 25 points, while Jalen Brunson added 24 as the Knicks halted one of the hottest stretches in the league.
San Antonio entered March undefeated in February and riding its longest winning streak since a 13-game run during the 2015-16 season. The loss marked the Spurs‘ first defeat since Jan. 31 in Charlotte. The game turned in the first half, when New York used a 26-2 run to seize full control.
After falling behind 19-7 midway through the opening quarter on a 3-pointer by Stephon Castle, the Knicks responded quickly. Brunson scored 11 points over the final 1:52 of the first quarter to give New York a 22-21 lead entering the second. From there, the momentum never shifted back.
Wemby bounced back individually
Victor Wembanyama bounced back individually after two quiet scoring performances, finishing with 25 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks. It was his first appearance at Madison Square Garden since a 42-point, 18-rebound effort on Christmas Day 2024. However, the Spurs struggled collectively, committing 22 turnovers that led to 24 New York points and getting outrebounded 54-41.
Mohamed Diawara contributed 14 points off the bench for the Knicks, who also defeated San Antonio earlier this season to capture the NBA Cup in Las Vegas. That earlier win came during a strong start in which New York opened 23-9, though the team had gone just 15-13 since, including a narrow loss to the Spurs on New Year’s Eve.
On Sunday, the Knicks looked more like the contender they appeared to be early in the season. After missing 14 of their first 18 shots, they settled in defensively and dictated the pace, limiting transition opportunities and forcing the Spurs into mistakes. For San Antonio, the loss serves as a reminder of the challenge of sustaining momentum deep into the season. For New York, it was a timely victory against one of the Western Conference‘s top teams and a potential boost as the playoff race tightens.
