Coming off a blowout win versus the Atlanta Hawks, the Spurs traveled to D.C. to take on the Washington Wizards for the second time in four days. The Spurs were at full strength, but the Wizards were shorthanded, missing multiple starters. After a tight first quarter where the Spurs actually trailed by two, the silver and black turned on the afterburners by outscoring Washington 43-21 in the second, and took a 20-point lead at halftime. Hoping to put the game away as they did versus Washington (the
first time) and Atlanta, the third quarter Spurs struck again by getting outscored 37-29. The fourth quarter had the potential to get even more out of hand, but key buckets by De’Aaron Fox and Luke Kornet kept the Spurs’ lead intact. The Wizards got within single digits multiple times, but the Spurs did not falter. They ultimately won 123-114.
De’Aaron Fox led the way with 27 points (10-19 FG, 5-7 3PT), seven rebounds, six assists, and a block. D-Fox was in his bag after having back-to-back single-digit scoring games. His ability to score at three levels was on full display, including draining a season-high five threes. At this pace, he has the opportunity to capture a second all-star appearance.
Stepback splash! D-Fox puts Bub Carrington on skates and hops back to the three-point line for the stepback three!
From the corner! Fox drives in, passes it out to Stephon Castle, and jogs to the corner for a wide-open three!
KING OF THE FOURTH. D-Fox drives in, creates space, and nails the clutch midrange jumper to give the Spurs cushion!
Luke Kornet dropped a double-double: Season-high 20 points and 12 rebounds to go along with a block. Luke played a season-high 28 minutes and made the most of every minute. He was setting picks, rolling to the hoop, dunking lobs, grabbing offensive rebounds, and slamming home putbacks. He continues to be one of the most underrated signings of this past offseason, playing like the glue guy and solid backup center (in some cases, a starter) that this team needed.
First lob, first points! Luke slams home the lob from Devin Vassell for the Spurs’ first points of the game! Dev finished with 11 points, six rebounds, an assist, and a block.
Right place, right time! Luke cleans up the missed Dylan Harper layup and slams it home with a Shaq-like finish!
Stephon Castle dropped a double-double: 18 points and 11 assists to go along with five rebounds and three steals. Steph struggled from the field, shooting four of 16, but he found ways to get to the free-throw line and shot nine of 13. It was a nice change of pace considering the lack of whistle he’s been getting from referees this season. Even when his shot was not falling, he still dropped multiple dimes all over the court. This trend of Steph dropping double-digit assists continues to be a great sign of his development.
Dime to the corner! Steph drives in, drives multiple defenders, and finds a wide-open Harrison Barnes who drains the corner three! HB finished with 14 points and two assists as he continues to get his shot back.
PUT HIM BACK IN THE DUNK CONTEST! Steph strips Tristan Vukcevic and slams home the standing windmill slam on the fastbreak!
Victor Wembanyama dropped a double-double: 14 points and 12 rebounds to go along with two assists and two blocks. Vic came off the bench once again and played 22 minutes as Mitch Johnson and the coaching staff continue to have him on a minutes restriction. As cautious as the Spurs are being, one has to wonder if they will lift the restriction during one of their two games against the defending champion OKC this week. Nonetheless, Vic continues to make an impact regardless of his minutes.
CLEAR THE WAY FOR THE ALIEN! Vic drops Vukcevic, then takes a dribble in the paint and skies for the giant two-hand slam!
Dimer! Vic catches the pass from Fox in the high post and gives it right back to him with a great bounce pass for Vic’s 500th career assist!
GET YOUR GETBACK WEMBY! After Vukcevic blocks Wemby’s layup out of bounds, Wemby catches the ball in the post off the inbounds pass and spins off of Vukcevic for the slam dunk payback!
All in all, the Spurs escaped multiple rally attempts from a shorthanded lottery team. Even though they held a 20-point lead, they still needed to finish their breakfast. You cannot get away with lollygagging against contenders. Regardless, the solid all-around team effort continues to put the league on notice, as they grabbed their sixth straight win. 21-7 at this point is an overachievement, especially compared to last season. This week, they face OKC two times in three days. Expect two bloodbaths.
Finally, here are the full game highlights.
The Spurs return home to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in a #1 vs #2 rematch at 7:30 P.M. on FDSN-SW.
