SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Sandro Mamukelashvili made NBA history on March 19, 2025, by scoring a career-high 34 points in just 19 minutes of play, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a decisive 120-105 victory over the New York Knicks. This performance not only secured him a spot in the record books as the first player to score 34 points in less than 20 minutes, but it also showcased his incredible shooting efficiency, going 13-for-14 from the field and a perfect 7-for-7 from beyond the arc.
The game, held at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, started with the Spurs taking a commanding lead, at one point stretching it to 28 points. Mamukelashvili's explosive first half, where he scored 13 points in just eight minutes, significantly contributed to this early dominance. As the Spurs experienced a rough season marked by injuries to stars including Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, this victory was particularly uplifting for the team.
Mamukelashvili, who has been averaging under five points per game this season, stunned everyone with a second-half performance that included 21 points. His remarkable shooting accuracy played a vital role, helping the Spurs stabilize after the Knicks mounted a comeback in the third quarter that saw them cut the deficit to eight points.
“It'd be ridiculous to say that was expected,” said Spurs acting coach Mitch Johnson. “But it does feel like he's had some of these games where he's right on the cusp of having a really good game.”
Besides Mamukelashvili, the Spurs featured robust contributions from rookie point guard Stephon Castle, scoring 22 points, and veteran Chris Paul, who added 12 points and nine assists. The Spurs dominated the boards as well, outrebounds the Knicks 61-48 despite not having any players taller than 6-foot-9 available for the matchup.
On the Knicks' side, Karl-Anthony Towns led the scoring with 32 points and nine rebounds, but he was visibly hampered after injuring his left hand early in the game. OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges contributed 14 points apiece, while Mitchell Robinson, back from ankle surgery, logged his first double-double of the season with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
The Knicks dropped to a 3-3 record since losing starting point guard Jalen Brunson to a sprained right ankle. Even with a strong roster, they could not contain the Spurs' energy and shooting prowess.
The second quarter was particularly crucial, where the Spurs outscored the Knicks 38-23, taking advantage of a 3:37 scoreless stretch from New York. Devin Vassell made a significant impact with a 3-pointer that capped a 30-7 run, putting the Spurs firmly in control.
Despite a valiant effort from the Knicks in the third quarter, which saw them outscore the Spurs 29-16, they could not maintain the momentum. Their struggles continued as offensive production faltered, with Josh Hart scoring just two points in 35 minutes.
The game served as a notable comeback win for a Spurs team that had suffered losses in 10 of their previous 14 games leading up to this victory. “It was a win we really needed, and it showed what we're capable of, especially when guys like Sandro step up,” Johnson added.
For Mamukelashvili, the night was unforgettable. After receiving the game ball from a Spurs staffer, he remarked, “I'm going to sleep with this thing.” His performance places him among elite company, joining legends like Jaylen Brown, Kevin Love, and Kevin Durant as one of the few players to ever score over 30 points in less than 20 minutes. Yet, Mamukelashvili's unique efficiency sets him apart as he also clinched the most rebounds for a player achieving such a feat.
With their win over New York, the Spurs improved to a 29-39 record, still sitting at the No. 13 seed in the Western Conference. The victory not only injects morale into the struggling team but also fuels hopes for a potential late-season push with games against playoff contenders ahead.
As for the Knicks, they will look to regroup as they face the Charlotte Hornets on March 20, 2025, aiming to bounce back quickly from this unexpected defeat before heading home for a slate of games that includes a matchup against the Washington Wizards on March 22, 2025. The team needs to find its rhythm again and draw from their previous successes against lower-seeded teams in the league.
Sandro Mamukelashvili’s thrilling outing serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of the NBA; while star power is crucial, it’s those surprise performances that can tip the scales and rewrite the narrative of a season.
