The San Antonio Spurs “residence stretch” of the Rodeo Highway Journey in Austin kicked off with a bang. The Spurs secured a 121-94 victory over the Phoenix Suns. The Spurs had been locked in defensively whereas taking part in a good offensive sport. Six members of the Silver and Black scored in double digits, and 30 of San Antonio’s baskets got here off assists.
Stephon Fortress led the staff in scoring with 20 factors, 4 assists, and three steals. Fortress shot an environment friendly 8-11 from the sphere and 2-4 from deep. He scored at all-three ranges, getting pictures to go across the rim, within the mid-range, and hitting some massive threes. Fortress has turned it on over the past month, heating up because the Spurs head into the stretch run of the season.
The Space 51 duo was in motion on Thursday night time. Fortress does an awesome job probing the protection till the protection ignores Victor Wembanyama (a mistake) after which finds him on the lob. Fortress might be the perfect on the staff find the large man for lobs, which is smart given the nickname.
Wembanyama confirmed why he’s thought of the favourite for Defensive Participant of the 12 months. Wemby was dominant defensively, altering shot after shot within the paint. He completed the sport with 17 factors, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocks.
Wembanyama’s greatest play of the night time got here within the pick-and-roll when he slammed the ball over Mark Williams and Jordan Goodwin. Williams had been taking part in bodily and attempting to dunk on him all night time, and Wembanyama punished him on the opposite finish with a towering slam.
He wasn’t the one Spurs heart with spotlight reel dunks, although. Luke Kornet was all around the rim towards the Suns. He had 10 factors and 9 rebounds on an ideal 5-5 taking pictures from the sphere. He was a beast on the boards, grabbing three offensive rebounds. He’s been a significantly better lob risk than anticipated this season, due to his nice arms and elite positioning within the paint.
Kornet had the play of the sport with this monster slam off the offensive board. There’s nothing extra satisfying than a one-handed put-back dunk.
The rookies had their moments, too. Dylan Harper had 17 factors off the bench, hitting 2 three-pointers. He, like Fortress, scored in any respect three ranges, which has been uncommon for him early in his profession. Carter Bryant additionally hit two three-pointers, together with a smooth-looking side-step jumper late within the fourth quarter.
San Antonio will play the Sacramento Kings within the final sport of their Austin home-stand on Saturday night time as they appear to safe their fortieth victory. Try the video beneath for full sport highlights.
