The San Antonio Spurs were defeated by the Boston Celtics, 117-98, in Victor Wembanyama’s much-anticipated debut on the historic parquet court. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 24 points, and Jaylen Brown, who returned after missing one game, added 21 points to help secure the victory.

Wembanyama, the Spurs’ young star, showed off his skills in the first quarter, scoring 10 points to help San Antonio keep the game close. The 7-foot-3 French rookie ended with 27 points and 5 rebounds in 27 minutes of action. Despite Wembanyama’s great play, the Spurs suffered their third consecutive loss and now have the lowest record in the Western Conference.

Jrue Holiday was important for the Celtics, scoring 22 points and collecting nine rebounds to help Boston win their third consecutive game and maintain their perfect home record of 20-0. Although the Spurs trailed by three points in the final minute of the first quarter, the Celtics, led by Wembanyama, held on. Despite San Antonio closing the margin early in the second quarter (32-29), Boston rallied, scoring eight straight baskets, followed by 18 of the next 22.

The Celtics led 70-45 at halftime following another 8-0 surge. This season, the Celtics have won 33 out of 34 games versus the Spurs, including their prior meeting on New Year’s Eve.

Jaylen Brown, who was rehabbing from a hyperextended right knee, missed the Celtics’ win over the Raptors on Monday but made a strong comeback. Derrick White (left ankle injury) and Kristaps Porzingis (right knee soreness) were out for the Celtics.