November 8, 2026 | Ethical Sports Takes
Week 3 of EST Excellence delivers two performances that stood out for completely different reasons. In the Eastern Conference, Klay Thompson reminded everyone why he’s still one of basketball’s most dangerous shooters, helping the Miami Heat complete a remarkable comeback against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Out West, Victor Wembanyama put together one of the most extraordinary performances we’ve seen in years, dominating the Dallas Mavericks on both ends of the floor.
EST Excellence recognizes individual performances that deserve the spotlight, and both players delivered something special this week.
Eastern Conference EST Excellence: Klay Thompson — Miami Heat
30 Points | 8 Three-Pointers | 5 Rebounds | 3 Assists
Miami Heat 117, LA Clippers 116 (OT) — November 4, 2026
Klay Thompson takes home Eastern Conference EST Excellence after a vintage shooting performance against the Clippers, capped off by a game-winning three-pointer with just one second remaining in overtime.
Miami started the game well, building a nine-point lead after the opening quarter. However, everything changed in the second as the Clippers exploded for 43 points and took a 67–52 advantage into halftime.
Los Angeles eventually stretched its lead to 20 points, leaving Miami facing a difficult comeback on the road.
Thompson was one of the few Heat players consistently finding success from beyond the arc. His shooting helped Miami stay within striking distance as the Heat gradually fought their way back into the contest.
Miami’s defense also stepped up considerably in the second half, with Davion Mitchell creating problems for the Clippers through his pressure on the ball. Bam Adebayo contributed 35 points, while Giannis Antetokounmpo added 27 points and 14 rebounds.
Still, the biggest moment belonged to Thompson.
With Miami trailing 116–114 and just 3.3 seconds remaining in overtime, the Heat had one final opportunity to steal the victory.
Adebayo set a screen that freed Thompson in the left corner, and Antetokounmpo delivered the inbound pass. Thompson caught the ball, set his feet and buried the three-pointer to put Miami ahead 117–116 with one second remaining.
The Clippers couldn’t answer, completing a remarkable 20-point comeback for the Heat.
Thompson finished with 30 points on 11-of-22 shooting, including eight three-pointers on 17 attempts. Even more impressive, he accounted for eight of Miami’s 10 made three-pointers throughout the entire game.
The four-time NBA champion has built his career around moments like this, and his performance against Los Angeles was a reminder that his shooting ability remains a serious weapon.
Why Klay Earned EST Excellence
There were plenty of strong individual performances across the Eastern Conference this week, but Thompson’s combination of shooting, comeback impact and late-game execution made his performance impossible to ignore.
Eight three-pointers would have been impressive on their own. Hitting the game-winner to complete a 20-point comeback made the night unforgettable.
Western Conference EST Excellence: Victor Wembanyama — San Antonio Spurs
52 Points | 24 Rebounds | 8 Blocks | 2 Steals
San Antonio Spurs 112, Dallas Mavericks 111 — November 4, 2026
If Klay Thompson delivered the week’s most dramatic finish, Victor Wembanyama delivered its most astonishing statistical performance.
The San Antonio superstar recorded a career-high 52 points, a career-high 24 rebounds and eight blocked shots as the Spurs narrowly defeated the Dallas Mavericks 112–111.
Those numbers are remarkable individually. Putting them together in a single game is something basketball fans rarely get to witness.
Wembanyama established himself immediately, overwhelming Dallas with his scoring around the basket, rebounding and defensive presence.
By halftime, he had already recorded 29 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks.
That first-half performance alone was historic. Wembanyama became the first player in the NBA’s play-by-play era, beginning in 1996–97, to record at least 25 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks in a single half.
San Antonio led 68–51 at halftime, largely because Dallas had no answer for its superstar center.
However, the Mavericks refused to disappear.
Dallas gradually worked its way back into the contest, outscoring San Antonio in both the third and fourth quarters. Despite Wembanyama’s extraordinary performance, the Spurs found themselves fighting to protect a narrow lead in the closing moments.
Kyrie Irving, who finished with 29 points, had an opportunity to win the game for Dallas, but his contested turnaround jumper missed with three seconds remaining.
San Antonio escaped with a one-point victory, and Wembanyama’s historic performance was rewarded with another win.
He finished shooting 16-of-28 from the field and 19-of-23 from the free-throw line. His outside shot wasn’t falling, as he made just one of eight attempts from three-point range, but that hardly mattered.
Rather than relying on his perimeter shooting, Wembanyama attacked the basket, drew contact and repeatedly punished Dallas inside.
And then there was his defense.
Eight blocked shots meant the Mavericks had to account for him every time they approached the basket. His 24 rebounds gave San Antonio a major presence on the glass, while his two steals added another dimension to an already incredible night.
Wembanyama became just the second player since blocked shots became an official NBA statistic in 1973–74 to record at least 50 points, 20 rebounds and five blocks in a game, joining Bob McAdoo.
Why Wembanyama Earned EST Excellence
There really isn’t much debate about this selection.
Fifty-two points, 24 rebounds and eight blocks would be an extraordinary performance in any era of basketball. Doing it in a one-point victory makes the achievement even more meaningful.
Wembanyama didn’t simply dominate one aspect of the game. He controlled the paint offensively, protected the rim defensively and carried an enormous share of San Antonio’s production.
At just 22 years old, he’s already producing performances that belong in conversations about basketball history.
Final Thoughts: Two Different Kinds of Excellence
Week 3 perfectly captures what EST Excellence is supposed to recognize.
Klay Thompson delivered a shooting masterpiece, saving his biggest shot for the moment Miami needed it most. His game-winning three-pointer completed a 20-point comeback and gave the Heat a victory that looked unlikely earlier in the night.
Victor Wembanyama, meanwhile, produced a historic all-around performance that demonstrated just how much influence one player can have on a basketball game.
One player delivered the defining shot of the night. The other delivered numbers that haven’t been seen together in more than half a century.
EST Excellence NBA Week 3 Winners
Eastern Conference: Klay Thompson — Miami Heat
Western Conference: Victor Wembanyama — San Antonio Spurs
Two outstanding performances. Two deserving winners. That’s EST Excellence.
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