Coming off three straight one-point video games, together with two straight losses to inferior and/or struggling opponents, the San Antonio Spurs have been determined to not simply get a win, but additionally see it occur with out an excessive amount of heartburn. Whereas it was removed from an ideal sport, and we nonetheless noticed a number of disturbing traits rear their ugly heads, the Washington Wizards have been the proper opponent to make it occur, and the Spurs managed to proper the ship within the fourth quarter for a comparatively snug remaining margin.
The Spurs began a little bit sluggish, getting down 10-6 early, however then they bought sizzling. Kicked off by a Devin Vassell four-point play, the Spurs went on a 22-0 run that featured Victor Wembanyama — who scored 50 factors with 8 made threes the final time these two groups performed — scoring 11 straight factors, together with hitting three straight threes. Total, Wemby scored 14 factors within the quarter, however not too surprisingly, the Wizards gained the non-Wemby minutes, they usually have been in a position to reduce what had been an 18-point Spurs lead right down to 10, 40-30, by the tip of the primary quarter.
The Spurs’ struggles with defending double-digit leads continued as Washington began the second quarter on 13-2 run to retake the lead whereas the Spurs’ offense was stagnant. Fortuitously for them, the Wizards cooled off a bit, and issues remained shut all through. Even so, regardless of Washington lacking Alex Sarr, the acquainted concern of the Spurs giving up too many offensive rebounds prevented them from happening any type of run of their very own, however they led 66-63 on the half due to a Chris Paul three proper earlier than the buzzer.
Each groups continued buying and selling the lead within the third quarter, with Harrison Barnes being the principle supply of offense for the Spurs early with 8 factors earlier than the bench unit lastly created some separation due to the power of Jeremy Sochan. They even managed to briefly stretch the lead again to 10, however after all, the curse of the double-digit lead instantly kicked in, because the Spurs turned it over 3 times in 4 possessions, they usually led simply 100-96 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Spurs lastly began inserting their will on offense due to some Fourth Quarter De’Aaron Fox, who had 12 of his 30 factors within the interval, and Wembanyama coming alive as soon as once more down the stretch to assist shut issues out 131-121. It wasn’t the prettiest Spurs win ever, but it surely was one they desperately wanted, they usually made it occur.
Sport Notes
Whether or not it’s to begin pushing his conditioning again to regular after his sickness or a consequence his sizzling first quarter, Wemby stayed in a little bit longer than he has these days, not exiting the sport for the primary time till nearly the 3-minute mark. He was then proper again in to begin the second quarter. Within the second half, he subbed out with 6:34 left within the third, returned three minutes later and performed the remaining quarter-hour of the sport, together with the complete 4th quarter. Wemby by no means appeared gassed on this sport, placing up 31 factors (5-8 from three), 15 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks, together with some key buckets late. He wasn’t 100%, however hopefully this implies he has lastly overcome his respiratory sickness.
De’Aaron Fox quietly had large a primary half with 15 factors on 3-8 capturing however 9-10 from the free throw line and was a +18 in plus/minus. His 15 second-half factors have been louder, and he ended up along with his highest scoring sport as a Spur with 31 factors, 15-18 from the free throw line, 6 assists and 4 rebounds. Whereas Stephon Fort seems on his approach, it has been some time for the reason that Spurs had a participant who might drive and get to the road the way in which Fox does. It’s fairly the luxurious to have, particularly whereas Wemby nonetheless apparently has work to do to achieve the respect of the refs.
The Wizards lived and died by the three, jacking up a whopping 47 of them however solely hitting 14. However, the Spurs have been way more environment friendly, hitting 17-38 from three. Additionally they gained within the quick break division 22-15 and by 7 factors from the road, which was a superb factor since they have been outscored 56-46 within the paint and 17-11 on second probability factors (due to P.J. Carlesimo for retaining monitor since no field rating does for some cause). The Spurs truly grabbed yet another offensive rebound than the Wizards (11 vs. 10); they only didn’t take benefit.
Play of the Sport
After lacking the game-winner in Orlando and fighting power the previous few video games, it was good to see Wemby nonetheless going sturdy late within the sport and in a position to assist safe the victory with a robust driving layup late within the fourth.
Up subsequent: Wednesday @ Boston Celtics
6:00 PM CT on ESPN and CW35
