In Victor Wembanyama’s highly anticipated debut on the iconic parquet court, the San Antonio Spurs suffered a decisive defeat at the hands of the Boston Celtics, with a final score of 117-98. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 24 points, while Jaylen Brown, who returned after missing one game, contributed 21 points to secure the victory.

Wembanyama, the promising star of the Spurs, showcased his skills in the first quarter, scoring 10 points as San Antonio managed to keep the game competitive. The 7-foot-3 French rookie finished the game with an impressive 27 points and 5 rebounds in 27 minutes of play. Despite Wembanyama’s outstanding performance, the Spurs endured their third consecutive loss, currently holding the worst record in the Western Conference.

Jrue Holiday played a crucial role for the Celtics, scoring 22 points and grabbing nine rebounds to contribute to Boston’s third consecutive win and maintain their flawless home record of 20-0. Although the Spurs trailed by only three points in the final minute of the first quarter, the Celtics, led by Wembanyama, maintained control. Despite San Antonio narrowing the gap early in the second quarter (32-29), Boston rallied and scored eight consecutive points, followed by 18 of the next 22.

The Celtics entered halftime with a commanding 70-45 lead after another 8-0 run. This season, the Celtics have now emerged victorious in 33 out of 34 matchups against the Spurs, including their previous encounter on New Year’s Eve.

Jaylen Brown, who was recovering from a hyperextended right knee, missed the Celtics’ triumph over the Raptors on Monday but made an impressive comeback. Derrick White (left ankle sprain) and Kristaps Porzingis (right knee discomfort) were absent for the Celtics.