By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Sandro Mamukelashvili scored a career-high 34 points, including 21 points in the fourth quarter to push the San Antonio Spurs to a 120-105 victory versus the New York Knicks in Frost Bank Center on Wednesday.
“Wow,” he seemed genuinely surprised in a postgame press conference, after learning about becoming the first player in NBA history to squeeze 34 points in less than 20 minutes.
The 25-year-old Georgian forward tucked in 13/14 from the field, including 7/7 three-pointers. In addition to a brilliant scoring showing in 19:26, he also produced nine rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
“I just can’t explain how I feel right now. I feel like I am in a dream. My dad was here. He flew in yesterday. My brother… It was just a special, special night,” he expanded an emotional reaction, “I have been waiting for this day for a long time.”
His side is wrapping up the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season without Victor Wembanyama since the French prodigy was placed on the list of unavailable players due to right shoulder deep vein thrombosis.
Against the Knicks, Polish Jeremy Sochan resurfaced in the starting lineup of Mitch Johnson, tallying ten points, six rebounds, three assists, and one steal in just under 38 minutes.
Starting for the visitors, British O.G. Anunoby went for 14 points, five rebounds, two blocks, two steals, and one assist. French Pacome Dadiet was on a G League assignment with the Westchester Knicks and German Ariel Hukporti stayed on the injury list, rehabbing left knee surgery.