The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Toronto Raptors, taking part in their model higher than them at instances and surviving a late comeback try to enhance to 4-0 for the primary time since 2017. It was a quieter evening from Victor Wembanyama within the scoring division — 24 factors on 87.5 % capturing — however it appeared like he was attempting to make the purpose that his teammates are ok to take the reins.
The Spurs put the Raptors within the rearview, taking a 27-10 lead within the first seven minutes. The Raptors closed a few of the distance heading into the second quarter, however they have been stored at arm’s size as a result of their perimeter assault faltered, and the Spurs had 5 gamers log a number of baskets.
The Spurs quickly took over. Victor Wembanyama heard some MVP chants within the second quarter, and the crew was by no means in peril of giving up a comeback whereas he was current. They even received into the bonus for the final six minutes and went to halftime forward by 19 after making seven triples on the high of the important thing and 11 baskets within the lane.
However the second half adopted a unique script. The Spurs began the second half sloppily with 4 turnovers, inflicting coach Mitch Johnson to name an early timeout. They solely had two baskets midway by means of the third quarter with a handful of free throws, and the Raptors banked on these struggles, slowly creeping again into the sport. The drought got here from Toronto elevating their strain, and San Antonio’s offense going stagnant with some missed open jumpers.
The Spurs used Harrison Barnes on the 5 to begin the fourth quarter, making the guests defend 5 as a substitute of 4 when Bismack Biyombo is on the ground. The Raptors subsequently minimize the Spurs’ result in eight on a 9-0 run, however Wembanayma, Stephon Fort and Harrison Barnes countered and powered San Antonio previous the end line.
