The San Antonio Spurs maintained their successful methods on an evening each De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama dominated offensively and defensively (within the latter portion, at the very least). Fox led all gamers with 27 factors, 8 assists, and three steals whereas Wembanyama had 26 factors and 9 rebounds. Heading into the mid-season break, the Silver and Black will now look to additional cement their playoff standings and proceed to play at a excessive degree.
Typically you need to attain up along with your 8-foot wingspan to seize a rebound, and different instances (just like the clip beneath signifies) you solely must let the ball drop in your lap. Victor Wembanyama then properly brings the ball up with a right away urgency to slam the purpose dwelling.
If De’Aaron Fox appeared in full management of the sport on Wednesday night time, that’s as a result of he was in full management of the sport, as evidenced by Fox patiently working his method by the protection for a bucket.
Statistically talking, De’Aaron Fox is averaging beneath his normal, distinctive scoring numbers. However to me, that speaks extra to Fox adjusting to the Spurs’ system on each offense and protection. Moreover, he’s enjoying with Victor Wembanyama, understanding that the massive man units the Spurs’ orbit. And by all accounts, it looks like Fox is embracing his position because the playmaker, aggressive wing defender, facilitator, and because the ice-cold or red-hot nearer when wanted. For these causes, the Spurs are having fun with a renaissance season behind Wembanyama and Fox—particularly when Stephon Fort has legitimately performed just like the second-best participant on the group on some nights (positive, the 40-point triple-double helps).
I really feel like that is nearly as good a time as any to speak in regards to the final sport Dirk Nowitzki performed in Golden State (on the previous Oracle Area). I occurred to be on the town that weekend for my bachelor celebration, and my buddies and I have been handled to a classic Nowitzki sport. Main the Dallas Mavericks to a win over the Golden State Warriors, he drained 5 threes in a 21-point, season excessive rating in his swan season of an awesome profession.
It was a very good sport to attend. We didn’t have seats, however we stood in a reasonably remoted cemented space behind some membership seats. The view was good, and it was higher when the patrons in entrance of us left within the third quarter so we have been in a position to sit down for the remainder of the sport. This unsolicited journey down reminiscence lane has nothing to do with the play beneath (apart from it entails the Golden State Warriors), however you don’t want me to elucidate but once more why Victor Wembanyama is so good.
(In my greatest Admiral Ackbar voice): “It’s a entice!”
Keldon Johnson averted any subtlety in scoring on this quick break similar to I averted taxes—DOING—averted DOING my taxes. Let’s be crystal clear about that. Johnson continues to steer the second unit, bringing each power and a right away dose of scoring to the desk.
Harrison Barnes introduced the mustard and the Gray Poupon on this sidestepping, samba of a transfer to the basket for the emphatic slam. It’s straightforward to neglect that Harrison Barnes has been within the league for some time, doing the identical ol’ constantly proper basketball factor. Harrison Barnes is the Harrison Barnes of all Harrison Barnes. How a lot Harrison Barnes would a Harrison Barnes if a Harrison Barnes might Harrison Barnes ? A Harrison Barnes would Harrison all of the Barnes he might if a Harrison Barnes might Harrison Barnes.
Lastly, sending you out with a shout out to once-a-Spur, always-a-Spur Jeremy Sochan. It by no means labored out for each events as meant, however I and lots of followers want the perfect for Sochan. We’ll all the time have that 26-point, 18-rebound sport you had in a win over the Phoenix Suns in 2024, giving me shades of Dennis Rodman. Perhaps our paths will cross once more a la Sean Elliott.
For those who missed the sport since you have been too busy researching the historical past of the civil conflict between the Mon Calamari and the Quarren (two distinct aquatic species native to the planet Mon Cala), listed here are the full-game highlights:
Subsequent up, the Spurs head into the All-Star break with the third greatest file within the NBA, the 2nd greatest within the Western Convention, a six-game successful streak, and with a ton of confidence that they are often the perfect group within the league. Their subsequent sport will probably be internet hosting the Phoenix Suns on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
