Spurs sensation Victor Wembanyama’s first game on the renowned parquet court was Wednesday night, when Boston defeated San Antonio 117-98 behind 24 points from Jayson Tatum and 21 from Jaylen Brown, who returned from a one-game absence.

When San Antonio was holding it tight in the first quarter, the 7-foot-3 French rookie, the first overall pick in the NBA, scored 10 points. After playing 27 minutes, he finished with 27 points and 5 rebounds. The Spurs (7-33), who currently own the lowest record in the Western Conference, suffered their third straight defeat.

The Celtics won their third straight game and extended their club record to 20-0 at home behind the 22 points and nine rebounds of Jrue Holiday, who tied his season best. 

The Spurs trailed by as few as three points in the closing minute of the first quarter, but Wembanyama helped them keep it close. Early in the second quarter, San Antonio trailed just 32-29, but the Celtics quickly regrouped, scoring eight straight and 18 of the next 22 points. 

Boston led 70-45 at the half after another 8-0 run at the end of the half. This season, the Celtics prevailed 33 to 1 on New Year’s Eve in their previous matchup. 

With a hyperextended right knee, Brown missed Boston’s 105-96 victory over the Raptors on Monday but is now back in the game. Derrick White (left ankle sprain) and Kristaps Porzingis (right knee irritation) were not available for the Celtics.