A thrilling clash, but with a cruel ending for San Antonio fans. The highly anticipated duel between Victor Wembanyama and Luka Doncic turned into a dominant performance for the Slovenian, and a frustrating experience for the young French prodigy, who fouled out.

🇫🇷 Wembanyama silenced and expelled

Victor Wembanyama had a tough night against the Lakers, succumbing to their opponents' experience and aggression. Despite respectable stats (19 points, 8 rebounds), the Spurs center was hampered by foul trouble from the opening minutes, which significantly slowed his pace.

He was ultimately ejected from the court for six personal fouls with 1 minute and 39 seconds remaining, leaving his team without a lead in the final minutes . His lack of energy and poor shooting (5/14) reflected his inexperience in the face of such high stakes.

🇸🇮 The "Luka Magic" is operating

On the other side, Luka Doncic reigned supreme at Crypto.com Arena. The Slovenian, in "Luka Magic" mode, delivered a stratospheric performance: 35 points, 9 rebounds, and 13 assists . Even after quickly accumulating 4 and then 5 fouls, Doncic managed the situation to emerge at the crucial moment. Without LeBron James and Austin Reaves, the Lakers relied on their star to snatch a 118-116 victory in a high-tension finish, thanks in particular to a clutch three-pointer from Doncic.

A lesson for French

Despite a stellar offensive performance from Deandre Ayton (22 points, 10 rebounds) for the Lakers, and a late surge from the Rockets, San Antonio fell by a hair. This game proved to be a valuable learning experience for Victor Wembanyama, who witnessed firsthand the gap between himself and the league's best players, and further proof of Luka Doncic's mastery and brilliance .