The Spurs got here off a tricky loss to the Washington Wizards at house on Monday and have been hoping to get again on the profitable monitor. In what was an up-and-down sport, the Spurs fell behind within the third quarter by 25 and couldn’t full the comeback within the fourth. Devin Vassell led the workforce in scoring with 26 factors to associate with 4 assists, 4 rebounds, and a block. Victor Wembanyama poured in 21 factors and likewise had eight rebounds, six blocks, three assists, and a steal. Jeremy Sochan additionally had an incredible sport with a double-double: 18 factors and 12 rebounds. He additionally had a pair of blocks.
The Spurs allowed a 17-0 run within the third and seemed to be useless within the water, however within the fourth, they lastly have been capable of convert threes and transition buckets en path to a 21-2 run. Whereas solely up by three, the Orlando Magic regained their composure and locked down the Spurs on their final possessions and survived a scare.
Observations:
Keldon Johnson and Zach Collins have been out for the Spurs, and Gary Harris sat out for the Magic. Collins continues to be day-to-day managing his ankle damage whereas Johnson has an elbow laceration. He’s not anticipated to overlook a lot time.
The Spurs have been in management for the primary 10 minutes of the primary quarter till the Magic got here again within the final two minutes to chop their deficit from 11 factors to three. Jeremy Sochan had a wild backward two-hand alley-oop slam to associate with his 9 factors. Victor Wembanyama led the workforce with 11 factors.
All through the sport, it appeared obvious that a lot of the Spurs’ younger gamers and even veterans had a tough time attempting to feed Wemby within the publish. The one gamers who’re constant to find him are Tre Jones and Sochan. Vassell additionally had some good passes to not solely Wemby however the remainder of the workforce. The Spurs would profit from including one other playmaker on the deadline to assist Wemby’s improvement.
The second quarter was crammed with fouls and free throws blended with nice protection on each side. The Magic outscored the Spurs 30-21 due to Paolo Banchero’s scoring and Jonathan Issac’s protection. Jeremy bought in foul hassle in the direction of the top of the quarter. Devin Vassell and Victor each had 14 on the half. The Spurs as a workforce shot 42% within the first half and a pair of of 14 from three in comparison with Orlando’s 51% and a pair of of seven from three.
The story of the third quarter: Orlando went on a 17-0 run and fully modified the trajectory of the sport. Lazy passes and dangerous shot choice have been the culprits of the Spurs’ downfall. The Spurs have been outscored 34-21 altogether, they usually have nobody accountable however themselves. Doug McDermott did no favors to his commerce inventory by taking pictures 1 of 6 from the sphere and searching misplaced on the court docket.
Life within the Frost Financial institution Heart! The Spurs went on a 21-2 run in the midst of the fourth quarter and lower the deficit to 3! Nonetheless, from that time on, Orlando buckled down defensively and made essential free throws whereas the Spurs couldn’t. All in all, the Spurs’ comeback bid fell brief.
The Spurs battle the New Orleans Pelicans this Friday at 7:00 P.M. (CST) on Bally Sports activities SW.
