Victor Wembanyama delivered a sensational performance with a season-high 41 points and the fastest double-double in NBA history as the San Antonio Spurs cruised to a ninth consecutive win, defeating the Chicago Bulls 129-114 on Monday.

The Spurs took control of the game with a commanding second quarter, outscoring Chicago 35-19 after the teams had been separated by just one point at the end of the opening period.

Wembanyama once again led from the front, continuing his outstanding form that has helped transform San Antonio into serious title contenders since the All-Star break, with 19 wins from their last 21 games.

The French star finished with an impressive stat line of 41 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal, further strengthening his case as a leading contender for the NBA’s MVP award.

He also made history by recording a double-double—10 points and 10 rebounds—just eight minutes and 31 seconds after tip-off, setting a new league record.

Stephon Castle added 21 points in support, while four other Spurs players also reached double figures.

“Today wasn’t perfect, both as a team and for me individually,” Wembanyama said. “I know I could have done better, but it’s still a satisfying result.

“The best part is that we have a strong, healthy locker room. We enjoy playing together and get along both on and off the court. We’re really enjoying the journey.”

San Antonio Spurs’ victory moved them to 57-18 in the Western Conference, keeping pace with league leaders Oklahoma City Thunder, who improved to 60-16 after a 114-110 overtime win over Eastern Conference leaders Detroit Pistons.

In that contest, reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander produced a standout 47-point performance to help the Thunder edge a depleted Detroit side. The Pistons were missing several key players, including Cade Cunningham, Tobias Harris and Jalen Duren, all sidelined through injury.

Despite their absences, Detroit remained competitive and led by seven points with three minutes remaining. However, Gilgeous-Alexander inspired a late surge, scoring 13 points in the fourth quarter and adding eight more in overtime to secure the comeback victory for Oklahoma City.

“We have a never-die mentality,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game. “Being seven points down with three minutes left is nothing for us. We believed that if we could get stops, we’d give ourselves a chance. We went out and executed well to finish the game.”

The Los Angeles Lakers stayed third in the Western Conference at 49-26 after a comfortable 120-101 win over the Washington Wizards.

With star guard Luka Doncic unavailable due to suspension, it was LeBron James who led the way for the Lakers, finishing as top scorer with 21 points.

In another matchup, the Atlanta Hawks strengthened their push for a playoff spot with a 112-102 victory over the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference.

Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 29 points despite a depleted roster missing key players Jayson Tatum, while Atlanta’s balanced scoring proved decisive. Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu each contributed 20 points to help secure the win.

The Minnesota Timberwolves dominated the Dallas Mavericks with a 124-94 rout, as seven players finished in double figures in a well-rounded team performance.

Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns delivered a similarly convincing display, cruising to a 131-105 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.