After a couple of tough losses, Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs needed to show they could adjust and overcome adversity to silence the doubters. Both the star and the team were up for the task against
a Rockets team that gave them all they could handle. The hard-fought 121-110 win got San Antonio back on the right path and to a good start in the Emirates Cup.
It wasn’t a pretty half, which foreshadowed how the game would go. The Rockets guarded Victor Wembanyama like most opponents do: by sending doubles before he catches the ball and pushing him to the perimeter to neutralize his impact. The Spurs used some tricks like having Alperen Sengun’s man screen for Stephon Castle, but the second-year guard was not at his sharpest, and the offense often struggled. A smaller lineup with Jeremy Sochan at center fared much better, as the energetic forward handled the center role well while Harrison Barnes rained threes and Keldon Johnson outworked everyone. After a good stretch, Mitch Johnson decided to shake things up by going with a Wembanyama – Kelly Olynyk big lineup that was decent but could close the gap. After one, Houston was up two.
As the second frame started, San Antonio used Wembanyama more as a decoy and playmaker to good results. Unfortunately, the gigantic Rockets proved to be a problem in the offensive glass, to no one’s surprise, and had a stabilizing veteran force in Kevin Durant that the Spurs still don’t have with De’Aaron Fox out. It wasn’t looking good for the Silver and Black, as the visitors’ lead reached double-digits. Fortunately, the Spurs closed the half strong on the back of their defense. They started doubling Durant and the other main scoring threats, flying around and causing turnovers. On the other end, a zone that had worked well for Houston earlier backfired, as it allowed Wemby to catch the ball at the free-throw line and dish passes. Castle came alive, the transition buckets helped, and a 12-0 run had the home team up by one at the break.
The momentum from the second-quarter run carried over. The Spurs remained engaged and aggressive on defense and patient on offense to take control of the game. The strategy to get the ball out of Durant’s hands led to some breakdowns and open looks for Houston, but it also disrupted their rhythm and forced turnovers, both when the Rockets played big or small. Unfortunately, the energy level was hard to maintain. The visitors got to execute with more freedom as the minutes passed, and their size and physicality inside gave San Antonio issues on the glass. After leading by 11 at one point, the Silver and Black simply couldn’t sustain their level and closed the period on a bad note, allowing the Rockets to cut their lead to four heading into the final frame.
Despite slowing down to close the third, San Antonio by that point had dictated how the game would be played, and not even foul trouble for Wembanyama derailed them. Ime Udoka’s stubbornness helped them, as their opponents stayed in a zone defense for too long, allowing Wembanyama to continue to get clean catches and conceding numerous offensive boards that turned into points for the home team. Houston has a talented squad, so they found ways to remain close, but the chaotic nature of the matchup benefited a Spurs team that never stopped hustling and always responded with physicality. It wasn’t the most well-played game, but the Silver and Black showed character, a commitment to doing the little things, and a willingness to play through mistakes that allowed them to secure the best win of their young season.
Game notes
- The win is great, but even if somehow the Spurs had lost this one, it would have been an encouraging performance because of the versatility they showed. The hyper-aggressive defense, the Wembanyama as decoy minutes, the toggle between small and big lineups, the way they destroyed the zone by having Wembanyama in the middle of it — all of it showed a coach willing to try things and a roster full of players who have no problem switching things up.
- Victor Wembanyama bounced back and finished with 22 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. The assist numbers are deceiving, as he drew extra defenders constantly and patiently passed the ball, which then moved around and resulted in open looks. His mere presence got his teammates good shots. As for his scoring, he was mostly opportunistic instead of trying to force things, which shows his selflessness. He’ll be fine.
- The jokes about Stephon Castle knowing that his time as the only lead creator was coming to an end as Fox prepares to return wrote themselves when he forced things, especially in the first half. He still managed to be a net positive even through some rushed shots and bad turnovers. He finished with a double-double in points and assists and had some clutch offensive boards to go with his typically stout defense.
- Julian Champagnie, Harrison Barnes, and Devin Vassell combined for 16 threes in 32 attempts, giving the team the outside shooting it needed against a bigger opponent that tries to own the paint. They also had 15 rebounds and 11 steals between the three, which shows they played with purpose even when they didn’t have the ball. The shooters delivered.
- Jeremy Sochan and Keldon Johnson didn’t have eye-popping scoring numbers, but their hustle made a difference, especially in the first half. Sochan guarded centers and perimeter players with the same gusto, and Johnson was once again a menace in the offensive glass. The two energy guys have the potential to change games for the Spurs this season, as they showed on Friday.
- The Spurs are 1-0 in the NBA Emirates Cup and have a solid point differential, which could come in handy since they are in the group of death.
Next game: vs. New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday
The Spurs will host the Pelicans, fresh off a win over the Mavericks and well-rested, on Saturday on a SEGABABA. De’Aaron Fox will make his season debut on what could be a trap game if San Antonio doesn’t play with urgency.
