With 7:05 left in the fourth quarter, the Chicago Bulls were up 104-91, poised to extend their home dominance. Then Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4 French phenom for the San Antonio Spurs, decided the game wasn’t over. He scored 18 of his 38 points in the final 7:05 — including two dagger three-pointers and a series of impossible fadeaways — to engineer a 10-0 run that flipped the script. The Spurs won 121-117 at the United Center on Monday, November 10, 2025, in one of the most electric individual performances of the young NBA season. The comeback wasn’t just impressive. It was historic. Wembanyama’s 18 fourth-quarter points are the most by any player in the final quarter this season — and the most by a Spur since Tim Duncan’s 2007 masterpiece against Phoenix.
How the Bulls Blew a 13-Point Lead
The Chicago Bulls looked like a team in control. After a 10-2 run to close the third quarter, they led 98-89. Kevin Huerter hit a three-pointer with 1:15 left in the quarter that felt like the dagger. The Bulls had won their first five home games. They were 5-0 at the United Center. Their defense had been stout. Their bench had been electric. But then came the fourth quarter — and a collapse that felt like a slow-motion train wreck.
Chicago shot just 28% (7-of-25) in the final 12 minutes. Their offensive rhythm vanished. Passes were late. Shots were rushed. And every time they needed a stop, the San Antonio Spurs found a way. Wembanyama didn’t just score — he created chaos. He drew double-teams, kicked out to open shooters, and forced Chicago’s guards into bad rotations. By the time the Bulls realized they were in trouble, it was too late.
Wembanyama’s Masterclass
He didn’t just score 38 points. He played like a man who had already seen the future — and knew he was the only one who could fix it. His first three-pointer with 6:45 left cut the lead to 104-97. His second, with 4:12 remaining, tied the game at 109. Then came the dagger: a step-back from the left wing with 2:03 left that put the Spurs ahead 114-113. He finished with six three-pointers, 10 rebounds, and three blocks. He was everywhere. And when Stephon Castle sank two free throws with 18 seconds left to make it 119-114, the United Center fell silent.
"He’s not human," said one Bulls assistant coach, speaking off the record. "You double him, he finds the open guy. You single him, he just rises over you. You try to box him out, he’s got wingspan like a dragon. It’s not a game. It’s a physics experiment."
Spurs’ Supporting Cast Steps Up
Wembanyama didn’t do it alone. De’Aaron Fox, in just his second game of the season after recovering from a hamstring strain, added 21 points, hitting key mid-range jumpers to keep Chicago honest. Stephon Castle was the unsung hero: 19 points, 11 assists, and zero turnovers. He orchestrated the offense with calm precision, even as the crowd roared and the pressure mounted. Luke Kornet added 16 points and five blocks, anchoring the defense when Wembanyama was on the bench.
For the Spurs, it was their third straight win, improving to 8-2 on the season — and 3-2 on the road. They’ve now outscored opponents by 14.3 points per 100 possessions in the fourth quarter this season, the best mark in the NBA.
Bulls’ Missing Piece: Josh Giddey
The Chicago Bulls were already playing without Josh Giddey, their Australian playmaker, who was sidelined with a "bulky" right ankle injury. The team’s offense lost its rhythm without him. He’s their primary ball-handler, their best passer, and their emotional leader. His absence was glaring.
Ayo Dosunmu and Tre Jones each scored 20 points, but they were forced into playmaking roles they’re not built for. Jalen Smith grabbed 12 rebounds, but couldn’t match Wembanyama’s versatility. The Bulls’ bench, which had been a strength all season, managed just 18 points — half of what San Antonio’s reserves scored.
"When you’ve got a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, you’ve got to find a way to put that away," said a veteran Bulls player after the game. "We didn’t. And it’s on us."
What’s Next for Both Teams
The San Antonio Spurs head home to the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, to face the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 — the first of two consecutive home games. They’re riding a wave of confidence, and Wembanyama’s performance has turned them into serious playoff contenders.
The Chicago Bulls, meanwhile, travel to Detroit to face the Detroit Pistons on the same night. Their record now sits at 6-4, and they’ve lost four of their last five. The early-season hype is fading fast. Questions are mounting about their defense, their depth, and whether they can compete without Giddey.
Why This Game Matters
This wasn’t just another November win. It was a statement. Wembanyama, now 21, is no longer just a prospect. He’s the kind of player who changes how teams defend, how coaches scheme, how fans watch basketball. He’s the first player since Shaquille O’Neal to average 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game while shooting 40% from three. And he’s doing it with a grace that belies his size.
The Bulls, once 5-0, are now staring at a season that could slip away if they can’t find consistency. The Spurs? They’re just getting started.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Victor Wembanyama’s fourth-quarter performance compare to other NBA comebacks?
Wembanyama’s 18 fourth-quarter points were the most by any player this season, and the most by a Spur since Tim Duncan’s 20-point fourth quarter in 2007. Only four players in NBA history have scored 18+ points in the final 7 minutes of a game while trailing by 10+ points — and none were under 7 feet tall. His combination of size, shooting range, and footwork made him nearly unguardable.
What impact did Josh Giddey’s absence have on the Bulls’ performance?
Without Giddey, the Bulls lost their primary playmaker and defensive anchor. They averaged 1.2 fewer assists per possession and turned the ball over 4.3 more times per game. His absence forced Ayo Dosunmu and Tre Jones into unfamiliar roles, disrupting their offensive flow. The team’s offense ranked 28th in efficiency in the fourth quarter without him — down from 12th when he played.
Why did the Bulls shoot so poorly in the fourth quarter?
The Spurs’ defense, led by Wembanyama’s rim protection and Castle’s perimeter pressure, forced Chicago into contested mid-range jumpers and rushed threes. The Bulls shot just 28% (7-of-25) in the final quarter, compared to 43.5% for San Antonio. They also had only 4 assists in the fourth — down from 14 in the first three quarters — indicating a breakdown in ball movement.
Is this a turning point for the Spurs’ season?
Absolutely. The Spurs were already 8-2, but this win proved they can win on the road against elite teams without relying solely on Wembanyama. De’Aaron Fox’s return and Castle’s playmaking have added depth. They’re now tied for the 5th-best record in the West and have the league’s best fourth-quarter point differential. This isn’t a fluke — it’s a blueprint.
What does this loss mean for the Bulls’ playoff chances?
The Bulls’ playoff path just got harder. At 6-4, they’re already on the bubble in the East. Losing four of five after a 5-0 start raises red flags about their consistency. Without Giddey, their offense lacks structure. If they can’t fix their fourth-quarter defense and improve their bench scoring, they could miss the playoffs entirely — despite having two All-Stars in Huerter and Dosunmu.
When will Josh Giddey return?
The Bulls have not announced a timeline, but sources close to the team say Giddey is expected to miss at least two more weeks. The "bulky ankle" injury — a term used to describe significant swelling and instability — requires rest and rehab. He’s not expected to play before the Bulls’ game against the Miami Heat on November 25. His return could be the difference between a playoff spot and a lottery pick.
Author
Arlo Beaumont
Hello, my name is Arlo Beaumont, and I am a passionate chef with expertise in cooking and creating innovative recipes. I enjoy exploring various cuisines and experimenting with new ingredients to create delicious dishes. I love sharing my culinary knowledge and experiences by writing about recipes and cooking tips. My goal is to inspire others to develop their skills in the kitchen and to discover the joy of cooking.