New Year's Eve delivered. The NBA's Wednesday slate had everything: a championship-caliber blowout in Oklahoma City, a franchise record in San Antonio, and a terrifying moment that reminded everyone how fragile this whole thing is.
Let's start with the scare that had every Spurs fan holding their breath.
Wembanyama goes down — then walks it off
Victor Wembanyama was having the kind of night that makes you forget he's only 21. Through three quarters against the Knicks, the 7-foot-4 phenomenon had racked up 31 points and 13 rebounds, shooting a ridiculous 10-for-12 from the floor. He also became the fastest 7-footer in NBA history to hit 300 career three-pointers, beating Lauri Markkanen's mark by three games.
Then, with 10:32 remaining in the fourth quarter and San Antonio trailing 102-96, Wembanyama went up for an offensive rebound and came down wrong. His left knee buckled. He crumpled to the floor. The Frost Bank Center went silent.
"I expect to be back next game, I don't know what they expect," Wembanyama said afterward, showing up to the podium in a move that surprised reporters. "I'll be all right."
Coach Mitch Johnson didn't have a formal update but noted that seeing Wembanyama return to the bench with 1:22 left — walking without a limp and cheering on his teammates — provided some relief. Initial reports indicate a hyperextended knee. Further testing will determine the severity.
Champagnie rewrites the record books
With their franchise player sidelined, the Spurs faced a 14-point deficit. What happened next was the kind of performance that turns role players into legends.
Julian Champagnie exploded for a career-high 36 points, hitting 11 three-pointers on 17 attempts — a franchise record that erased Chuck Person's 28-year mark of nine. All 11 of Champagnie's field goals came from beyond the arc. He went 4-for-5 from three in the fourth quarter alone, fueling a comeback that stunned New York 134-132.
This was a rematch of the NBA Cup final from two weeks ago, which the Knicks won. Jalen Brunson had 29 points in the loss, including a late three-pointer after stripping Keldon Johnson during a premature celebration near the Spurs' bench. Karl-Anthony Towns added 20.
San Antonio's depth stepped up when it mattered most. That's the story.
OKC continues to look unstoppable at home
In Oklahoma City, the defending champions dismantled Portland 124-95 in a game that was never competitive.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn't need the fourth quarter. He scored 30 points in three quarters — his 105th consecutive game with at least 20 points — on 11-of-15 shooting with six assists, four steals, and zero turnovers. He sat the final 12 minutes with the outcome long decided.
"That's art," the Thunder's social media account posted, accompanying a highlight of SGA's stepback jumper. It's hard to argue.
Chet Holmgren contributed 12 points, 10 rebounds, and a season-high six blocks. Ajay Mitchell scored 17 off the bench. The Thunder forced 25 turnovers and converted them into 28 points — classic OKC defense that continues to suffocate opponents.
Portland's Sidy Cissoko had a career night with 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including five three-pointers. But the Trail Blazers are 14-20 and rebuilding. This was always going to be a mismatch.
Oklahoma City (29-5) has lost just once at home this season. They've won three straight and continue to look like the team to beat in the West.
The bigger picture
We're approaching the All-Star break, and the storylines are crystallizing. Luka Dončić and Giannis Antetokounmpo are leading early fan voting, as expected. The Thunder look like legitimate repeat contenders. Wembanyama's development — assuming this knee issue doesn't linger — remains the most fascinating watch in the league.
And somewhere in San Antonio, Julian Champagnie is probably still shooting threes.