Sandro Mamukelashvili made NBA history with an incredible performance against the New York Knicks. The San Antonio Spurs forward/center became the first player ever to score 34 points while playing less than 20 minutes in a game.
A Record-Breaking Performance in Just 19 Minutes
Mamukelashvili shot an astonishing 13-of-14 from the field, including a perfect 7-of-7 from three-point range. Coming off the bench, he also contributed nine rebounds and three assists in just 19 minutes of play. The 26-year-old Georgian player had 13 points in the first half, but his explosive fourth quarter, where he scored 21 points, helped seal the Spurs’ 120-105 victory over the Knicks.
His performance is a bright spot in a tough season for the Spurs, who have struggled with injuries to key players like Victor Wembanyama (shoulder thrombosis) and De’Aaron Fox (pinky surgery). Mamukelashvili, who usually averages just nine minutes and five points per game, seized the opportunity and delivered one of the most efficient performances in NBA history.
A Rising Star with Deep Basketball Roots
Mamukelashvili’s journey to the NBA is as remarkable as his record-setting night. Born in New York but raised in Georgia, he honed his skills in Italy’s Biella youth academy before returning to the U.S. in 2016. After a standout college career at Seton Hall, he entered the 2021 NBA Draft, where he was selected 54th overall by the Indiana Pacers before landing with the Milwaukee Bucks. He joined the Spurs in 2022 and has been working to make a name for himself ever since.
His 34-point explosion put him among elite company. Previously, the most points ever scored in under 20 minutes was 33 by Jaylen Brown, followed by Kevin Love (32) and Kevin Durant (30). Mamukelashvili now stands alone at the top of that list.
Adding to the spectacle, hip-hop legend Flavor Flav even rushed the court after the game to celebrate with Mamukelashvili—a fitting tribute to a truly unforgettable night in NBA history. With performances like this, the Spurs may have found an unexpected star in their ranks.
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