San Antonio defeated the Utah Jazz tonight, 96-80, fueled by a dominant performance from Victor Wembanyama and a strong third quarter. The Spurs nearly achieved a coveted shooting split, finishing at 56% from the field, 42% from three-point range, and 76% from the free throw line.
Spurs Dominate After Halftime
After a back-and-forth first half that saw Utah briefly take the lead following an 11-0 run, San Antonio seized control in the third quarter, outscoring the Jazz 35-23. Wembanyama, who finished with 33 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, led the charge, hitting 7 of 12 attempts from beyond the arc. The Spurs’ offense saw contributions from across the roster, with Stephon Castle adding 18 points and 8 assists, and De’Aaron Fox contributing 14 points and 8 assists.
Rookie contributions were also significant, with Dylan Harper scoring 15 points with 5 assists and Carter Bryant posting 11 points and 1 block – described as his finest effort of the campaign. Keyonte George led Utah with 27 points and 6 rebounds, supported by veteran Jusuf Nurkic’s 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Early Lead, Second Quarter Challenge
The Spurs initially built an eight-point lead in the first quarter, aided by seven consecutive points from Bryant. However, Utah responded with a surge led by Kevin Love and Ace Bailey, briefly taking the lead. San Antonio regained composure thanks to Wembanyama and strong play from Harper and Fox, entering halftime with a narrow 61-57 advantage.
The third quarter saw San Antonio extend its lead, with Wembanyama continuing to score effectively and Castle facilitating the offense. The Spurs’ advantage grew to as many as 13 points during the period.
Looking Ahead
San Antonio will continue its road trip, traveling to Houston to face Kevin Durant and the Rockets tomorrow night at 7:00 PM CDT on NBC / Peacock. If the Spurs maintain their current level of play, particularly Wembanyama’s consistent scoring, they could pose a significant challenge to Houston. However, the Rockets’ offensive firepower, led by Durant, will undoubtedly test San Antonio’s defense. A competitive game is likely, and the outcome could depend on which team can control the pace and limit turnovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Victor Wembanyama’s stat line in this game?
Victor Wembanyama recorded 33 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, shooting 7-for-12 from three-point range.
Who led the Utah Jazz in scoring?
Keyonte George led the Utah Jazz with 27 points and 6 rebounds.
What was the score of the third quarter?
San Antonio outscored Utah 35-23 in the third quarter.
What do you think contributed most to the Spurs’ success in this game?
