LAS VEGAS — Victor Wembanyama could not have scripted his return for the San Antonio Spurs from a calf injury that sidelined him for nearly a month in a better way than coming back for the NBA Cup semifinals against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Despite the Spurs going 9-3 in their 12 games without him, Wembanyama is the leader of this franchise. In order to compete to the best of their ability against the Thunder, a team that was 24-1 entering Saturday night in Las Vegas, head coach Mitch Johnson knew his team would need all of their pieces to contribute.

For the first time all season, this team was whole, and Wembanyama's presence, even though it was only for 21 minutes off the bench, was vital.

“Honestly, tonight was one of those, with just all the adde

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