The San Antonio Spurs experience a sweet little moment that confirms the growth of their young players and makes them dream, why not, of competing for the title. game this same season. Coinciding with the return of Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs achieved their third consecutive victory by beating the Western leaders, the Golden State Warriors, with a result of 104 to 94.
The French international returned to the NBA after missing the last three games due to a knee contusion and did so by leading his team with 25 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists and 3 blocks. Wembanyama was well accompanied by Harrison Barnes’ 22 points and a determined Stephon Castle’s 19 points with five precious points in the clutch which turned the situation around.
Texas took another step on defense, as they had done for the past week: Over the last three games they have had the fourth-best defensive ratio in the NBA. Not only that, but the fluidity and offensive circulation at times reminded us of Gregg Popovich’s best San Antonio Spurs, champions for the last time in 2014.
For their part, the Warriors were unable to establish their usual rhythm of play in a final quarter in which they completely sank. Steve Kerr’s team failed to score a field goal for more than five minutes, allowing San Antonio to go on an 11-0 run that would ultimately give them the victory. Curiously, until they took the lead in the final period, the Texas team had remained behind the Warriors in the scoreboard for the entire duel.
Andrew Wiggins and Stephen Curry scored 20 and 14 points respectively for the Warriors who charged the back-to-back after beating the New Orleans Pelicans 24 hours earlier. Despite entering the game averaging 54 points, this time the Warriors bench managed only 36, led by Buddy Hield and his 11 points.
The Spurs will look to extend their good form on Tuesday when they visit Salt Lake City to take on the Utah Jazz. For their part, the Warriors will host the Brooklyn Nets on Monday.
(Cover photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
