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In his first game after being selected as a starter for the NBA All-Star game for the first time in his young career, Victor Wembanyama put up 33 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals in less than 27 minutes in a 123-110 San Antonio Spurs victory over the Utah Jazz. Not long after Wemby learned of his start, news trickled out that the 22-year-old phenom had narrowly slipped by Anthony Edwards for the final spot among Western Conference players. The Minnesota Timberwolves superstar received more votes from players than Wembanyama, who garnered more votes from the media than Edwards. That meant the fan vote proved the tie-breaker, where Wembanyama edged out “Ant” by 4,505 votes. With that information public, the Spurs’ leading scorer went to work early vs. the Jazz, hitting three 3-pointers in the first six minutes of the game, five in the first half, and seven for the day. He finished the first 24 minutes of the contest with 21 points and seven rebounds for most of his damage in what turned out to be San Antonio’s third straight win. ClutchPoints asked the generational talent if – similar to how some players put up big games after All-Star ‘snubs’ – he posted his impressive numbers because of his first NBA All-Star starting nod, especially considering the specifics of the vote. “No, not at all. No, no, no,” Wembanyama declared. “I’ve got many more responsibilities with my team, you know. So, I was not thinking about that at all. "I've got many more responsibilities with my team…Not thinking about that at all" -Asked Vic about – similar to how players have big games after All-Star 'snubs' – he put up 33, 10 & 2 in response to his 1st #NBAAllStar starting nod. Esp considering closeness of vote#Spurs pic.twitter.com/aDOWRC4DC1 — Hector Ledesma (@HectorLedesmaTV) January 20, 2026 Victor Wembanyama reacts to first NBA All-Star starting nod If All-Star-related motivation wasn’t the driving force behind Wembanyama’s big night, perhaps circumstances were. Though he averages less than five 3-point attempts per game this season, the 7-foot-5 big man took 12, nine in the first half, against Utah. “It is a game-by-game thing,” Wemby said of the volume at which he shoots beyond the arc. “But also, I keep seeing trends over the season, like periods of time where teams will guard a different way. And maybe, just maybe, teams have been willing to put me more at the 3-point line. “But today, I could see (on) my pick and rolls, they were going under. I can still do it, you know. I’m lucky to have the ability to impact the game in different areas, and I’m ready to get any role. But it’s going to be periods of time. I might not try a three for the next three games. It might just happen. I don’t think I will, but anything can happen.” The 75th NBA All-Star Game will mark Wembanyama’s second appearance in the NBA classic. Though many expect, himself included, that he’ll play in and start in many more, that didn’t affect the feeling of hearing his name as a starter for the first time. “I was glad, I was happy. I wasn’t sure my name was going be up there,” Wembanyama said. “So it’s great. It’s just another step. I was really happy to learn that I’m the first French guy to get that. I’m proud of this.” The post Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama drops blunt take after All-Star starting nod appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Fred King provided an explanation for why he joined the Murray State Racers for the 2025-26 college basketball season. King is going through his senior campaign with the Racers. He spent the first three years of his collegiate career with the Creighton Blue Jays. The center played in 103 games, starting four times, while averaging 2.9 points and seven minutes per game. He even served as the backup to Ryan Kalkbrenner, who went on to reach the NBA as he now plays for the Charlotte Hornets. King recently went on an interview with Andy Katz. The college basketball insider asked him about why his transition to Murray State has gone smooth, which the center made a direct reference to Kalkbrenner. “Why such a seamless transition after transferring to Murray State?” Katz asked. “Because I’ve been in big moments where I played against a great player and great role model, so it has built me to be ready for my time down here at Murray State,” King answered. @TheAndyKatz asked @RacersHoops Fred King — “Why such a seamless transition after transferring to Murray State?” pic.twitter.com/aiSDruBhds — Missouri Valley Conference (@MVCsports) January 20, 2026 What’s next for Fred King, Murray State Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images It’s clear that Fred King learned a lot from his former star teammate at Creighton. Thanks to those experiences, he has transformed into a double-double threat for Murray State. King is enjoying the best season of his collegiate career to date. Throughout 18 appearances, he is averaging 12.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and one assist per game. He is shooting 63.2% from the field and 60% from the free-throw line, having racked up five double-doubles and counting. Murray State has a 16-3 overall record this season, including an 8-0 start in MVC Play. They control the top spot of the league standings, being above the Belmont Bruins and Bradley Braves. Rolling with 12 consecutive wins, the Racers will look forward to their next matchup. They are on the road when they face the Drake Bulldogs on Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. ET. The post Murray State center Fred King breaks down seamless transition to Racers appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Chicago Bears reports went into the locker room after the team’s overtime defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams, expecting utter devastation. Sure, players were disappointed and depressed that the season was over. However, there also seemed to be a surprising air of optimism permeating the room. One would expect it came from […]

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is surely on cloud nine right now after they defeated Miami, 27-21, in a nail-biting finish on Monday to capture the first national championship in program history. Numerous athletes tuned in to the game on Monday, including Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. She even got excited for Mendoza after famous rapper Lil Uzi Vert showed up at Hard Rock Stadium. “If Indiana wins, I hope he performs in the locker room after the game for Fernando,” wrote Clark on X. If Indiana wins I hope he performs in the locker room after the game for Fernando https://t.co/P2Q9endYpU — Caitlin Clark (@CaitlinClark22) January 20, 2026 The 22-year-old Mendoza invited Lil Uzi Vert, his favorite rapper, to attend the national championship game if the Hoosiers made it. The 30-year-old artist, known for “Just Wanna Rock” and ” XO Tour Llif3,” accepted the invitation and stayed true to his word. He even sported Mendoza’s jersey. Lil Uzi Vert might have been Mendoza’s lucky charm, as the Heisman Trophy winner scored on a 12-yard run in the fourth quarter to seal Miami’s doom. He went 16-of-27 for 186 yards. The Hoosiers completed their undefeated season in the best way possible, lifting the shiny reward that has eluded them for decades. Having his favorite rapper witness it was a bonus for Mendoza, who did not expect Lil Uzi Vert to show up. “If I see him there, it would be fantastic. I love his music. I’m really just trying to focus on the game. I owe it to my teammates and my coaches. This is a very important game for them. Although seeing Lil Uzi Vert there would be fantastic and a big plus for everybody. I know he’s a very busy man,” said Mendoza in the lead-up to the contest, as quoted by Sports Illustrated’s Christopher Walsh. As of writing, it remains unclear if Clark’s wish came true. The post Caitlin Clark has 1 wish for Fernando Mendoza in Indiana-Miami championship game appeared first on ClutchPoints.