Coming off a win against the Washington Wizards, the Spurs flew to Atlanta on a SEGABABA to take on the Hawks. The Spurs have been at full health for the past few games, while Atlanta had Trae Young return
two nights ago versus Charlotte. Nonetheless, Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis were ruled out for the game. The Spurs started the first quarter on fire, and the Hawks started ice cold. Fortunately for the Spurs, that trend continued throughout the entire contest. The Spurs led by as much as 38, and won 126-98.
Victor Wembanyama led the way with a double-double: 26 points (10-15 FG) and 12 rebounds to go along with three assists and two blocks in only 21 minutes off the bench. Wemby was uber-efficient and was fighting in and around the paint to draw contact. Considering his minutes restriction, some fans were surprised Wemby was playing in a SEGABABA. An explanation could be that he’s already missed 12 games this season, and if he misses six more, he is ruled ineligible for awards this season. Nonetheless, it is very refreshing to see Wemby doing Wemby things again.
One-hander! Wemby takes the contact from Jalen Johnson and nails the and-one push shot!
CLEAR THE WAY! Wemby takes the pass from De’Aaron Fox and slams it home from a step into the paint!
Just throw it up to the moon! Wemby catches the lob off the screen with absolute ease and slams it down with one hand!
DEFENSIVE ANCHOR. Wemby records his 100th straight game with a block by swatting Dyson Daniels’ shot off the shot clock!
Cleanup on aisle one! Wemby cleans up the failed alley-oop attempt with an easy slam!
“HE’S ON FIRE!” One of Dev’s first-quarter threes came from the top of the key! That’s too much space!
Don’t sleep on his hops! On the fastbreak, Dev speeds past everyone and skies to the rim for the slam!
Another fastbreak, another Dev slam! Dev speeds past Zaccharie Risacher and slams it home with ferocity!
Stephon Castle dropped 17 points (7-10 FG), seven assists, two rebounds, and a block. Steph was not only efficient, but he also dished out dimes. So far this season, he’s averaging 18.3 points per game, 6.9 assists, and 5.6 rebounds on 52% shooting. The Rookie of the Year may also be contending for an all-defensive team selection. Having to guard the other team’s best guard on occasion, Steph is getting the experience he needs to go beyond his potential.
Dimer! Steph draws two defenders in the paint and drops it off for an open Luke Kornet, who slams it with ease! Kornet finished with eight points, nine rebounds, a steal, and a block.
AND-ONE! Steph recovers the ball in the paint and gets the tough shot to fall through the contact!
Keldon Johnson dropped 13 points (6-8 FG), three rebounds, and two assists. KJ brought the spark plug energy with put-back shots, hustle rebounds, and doing the dirty work. He’s having his most efficient season, shooting 57% from the field. His 6MOTY campaign marches on.
Too easy! KJ gets inside position on Luke Kennard, and Dylan Harper drops in a dime for KJ to finish with ease!
Harrison Barnes dropped seven points, four rebounds, and a steal. HB did not have to do much, but he finally ended his cold streak by draining his first three in over a week. Hopefully, that sparks a hot streak up again. Otherwise, there may need to be conversations about his future as the starting PF.
GET UP UNC! HB leaks out on the fastbreak and shows that he still has the hops at 33 years old!
Dylan Harper dropped six points, four assists, and three rebounds. Even though he only finished with six points, Dylan’s impact on the floor was loud. His unselfish play makes him look like a seasoned veteran point guard. He also finished with a +21 in only 18 minutes. Look for his minutes to increase as the opponents get tougher.
Elite finisher! Dylan puts the moves on Vit Krejci and finishes at the rim!
This was an absolutely dominant performance. From start to finish, the Spurs locked down one of the hotter shooting teams in the league and kept their foot on the gas offensively. Now that the squad has played some games fully healthy, they look terrifying. Whenever Wemby’s minutes restriction is lifted, this team’s potential is sky-high. Go Spurs Go!
Finally, here are the full game highlights.
The Spurs travel to Washington, D.C., to take on the Wizards on Sunday at 6:00 P.M. (CST) on FDSN-SW.
