Coming off a thrilling win against the Dallas Mavericks, the Spurs traveled to Sacramento to take on the Kings in their first NBA Cup game of the season. From the opening tip, the Spurs’ offense showed no rust from Wednesday. They outscored the Kings 38-29 in the first quarter and took a 19-point lead into halftime. Despite a low-scoring third quarter, the lead remained the same as the Kings’ defense had no answer for the Spurs’ hot shooting from three-point range. They shot 50% (15-30) after shooting an abysmal
15% (5-36) against Dallas. The Spurs ultimately won 124-109, and extended their winning streak to seven.
Victor Wembanyama followed up his career-best performance of 52 points, 24 rebounds, and 8 blocks with 30 points (10-for-18 FG, 4-for-6 3PT, 6-for-9 FT), 14 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 assists. Despite Wemby’s Wilt Chamberlain-esque performance this past Wednesday, his three-point shooting was forgettable (1-8 3PT). Wemby quieted the critics who have wanted him to stop shooting threes by shooting a scorching 66% on four-for-six against the Kings.
He continued to control the glass on both ends and demonstrated that no one can guard him in the paint, especially on lob attempts and putbacks.
Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and Devin Vassell each dropped 19 points to balance out the Spurs’ offensive attack. All three of them shot efficiently from the field: Castle shot 7 for 13 (54%), Harper shot 5 for 10 (50%), and Vassell shot 6 for 10 (60%), with five for six from three-point range (83%). It was a great sign to see Devin light the nets on fire after going almost scoreless against Dallas. His ability to spread the floor and get to his spots helps the three guards penetrate and kick out to him for an easy three-point laser. In some cases, his range might surprise you.
Dylan continues to be one of the best finishers in the league, and he got most of his buckets with ease against a Kings team with not a lot of defensive resistance. In transition, Dylan made rookie Darius Acuff Jr. look silly with a eurostep into a layup for two.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT: Steph not only got his fair share of tough finishes and dimes (seven assists), but he put Dylan Cardwell on a poster. Cardwell had just scored on the other end and celebrated by wiggling his tongue out and slapping the floor in a defensive stance. Wemby and Steph both decided to humble with an AREA 51 lob but with Wemby as the passer. And one!
Here’s another angle of the staredown Steph gives Cardwell afterwards.
As stated earlier, the silver and black shot uber-efficiently from three, including down the stretch to close the game out. Harrison Barnes even chipped in 13 points with a pair of threes. This is when the team’s offense is at its best. Swinging the rock around and punishing the defense with open threes and great looks inside.
Finally, here are the full game highlights.
The Spurs face a SEGABABA against the Portland Trail Blazers in the Moda Center later tonight at 9:00 P.M. (CST) on DAZN.
