Coming off a miraculous comeback win against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Spurs took on the Houston Rockets for their last meeting of the regular season. After a back-and-forth first quarter, the Spurs’ offense exploded, outscoring the Rockets 37-24 in the second. Coming into the third quarter with a 12-point lead, the Spurs’ offense continued to blaze. They continued to have one of their best three-point shooting games of the season, and they led by as much as 27. The Rockets cut into the deficit
to only make it a 16-point lead for the silver and black heading into the fourth. Even though the Rockets would try to keep pace, the Spurs’ offense was unstoppable. They led by as much as 30 and ultimately won 145-120.
Victor Wembanyama led the way with 29 points (9-13 FG, 9-10 FT), eight rebounds, four blocks, two steals, and one assist. From the start of the game, Wemby played like he was well rested. Having only played 22 minutes against the Clippers on Friday, the day of rest helped Wemby play 30 minutes and dominate. He shot 69% from the field and 90% from the free-throw line. He also locked down the paint and got deflections that resulted in steals. If Wemby ends up playing 65 games, it is safe to say that he is a lock for Defensive Player of the Year.
W3MBY! The first bucket for both teams comes from a pull-up three in the face of Alperen Sengun!
ARE YOU KIDDING?! Wemby tracks down his own missed three and puts it back up for the and-one!
Here’s another angle!
DO NOT GO IN THERE! Wemby pins Amen Thompson’s shot off the backboard and secures the rebound!
Just throw it up there! De’Aaron Fox crosses halfcourt and immediately lobs it up to Wemby for the alley-oop jam!
DO NOT GO IN THERE PART TWO! Wemby volleyball spikes Tari Eason’s shot in the paint!
W3MBY AT THE BUZZER! Wemby uses the pump fake and one dribble for the halftime buzzer-beating three!
Here’s another angle of the nothing but net buzzer-beater!
ARE YOU KIDDING PART TWO! Reminiscent of opening night against Dallas, Vic drives through the lane through contact for the reverse jam and-one!
How about another alternate angle for your viewing pleasure?
In the NBC postgame interview, Wemby was asked if he ever surprises himself. His answer? “I’m just out there freestylin’.”
Stephon Castle dropped 23 points (7-13 FG, 6-7 FT), five assists, and three rebounds. This is Steph’s first 20+ point game since February 19th against Phoenix. After a rough week shooting from the field, Steph took advantage of mismatches and drove into the paint with patience or took open midranges. He also splashed home three three-pointers. His young role as a two-way player continues to blossom, drawing the assignment of guarding Kevin Durant and taller forwards.
De’Aaron Fox dropped a double-double: 20 points (9-15 FG) and 10 assists to go along with two boards. Fox has been putting up at least 19 points in the last three games, and the last time he dished out double-digit assists was February 4th against OKC. This is also his 7th double-double of the season. Ever since the Pistons game, it seems like Fox has played a more aggressive style, as the playoffs continue to appear closer every game.
ACROBAT! Fox crosses over Sengun and finishes at the rim with a smooth reverse layup!
Another angle? Yes please!
Keldon Johnson dropped 20 points (8-13 FG, 4-7 3PT), two assists, and a rebound. This is KJ’s first 20-point game since February 11th against Golden State. He looked like the 6MOTY KJ Spurs fans have grown accustomed to watching. Shooting 61% from the field and four threes on 57% shooting, KJ could hardly miss. His infectious energy has infiltrated the rest of the rotation, as they have bought into the unselfishness and never-say-die spirit KJ brings to the court every game.
The Beautiful Game. Immaculate Spurs ball movement results in a wide-open KJ trey!
Dylan Harper dropped 19 points (8-12 FG, 3-4 3PT), six assists, and two rebounds. Dyl shot about 67% from the field and 75% from three. 17 of his 19 points came in the first half, as it seemed like he could not miss. Whether it was driving into the lane and finishing with ease or draining open threes, Dyl could not be slowed down. It is such a luxury to have an elite guard rotation where any one of Castle, Fox, or Harper could put up numbers on any given night and also dish out dimes all over the court.
Too fast! Dyl catches the ball in the corner and drives past Dorian Finney-Smith for the athletic one-handed slam!
All in all, this was another statement win by the silver and black. Beating a playoff team in the Rockets three out of four times is no fluke, and this win was the most dominant. The Spurs shot 58% from the field and 51% from three. It is hard to lose when your shooting is this efficient. Now having won 15 of their last 16 games, the Spurs are keeping pace with the OKC Thunder for the one seed. However, they face a tough schedule this week in the Celtics, Nuggets, and Hornets. Nonetheless, a performance that brought the best out of everyone is a great sign, as there is only one month left in the regular season.
Finally, here are the full game highlights.
