The good guys hoped to open their home game in the Western Conference Finals with a win, but alas victory eluded them. Victor Wembanyama led the team with 26 points while Devin Vassell poured in 20 points along with 7 rebounds and 4 steals.
De’Aaron Fox was a sight for sore eyes, although after the game I’m sure his ankles will be even sorer. Here’s hoping ice and elevation helps Swipa remain available for Game 6. He did return to the game after all of Lu Dort’s 220 lbs. landed on that tender ankle.
These highlights are more of a live in the moment and enjoy the 15-0 run to start the game sort of highlights. Like Game of Thrones, Daredevil (Netflix), or The Boys, enjoy the early versions and ignore the second half.
Defense, ball movement, swish, oh my. Devin Vassell, in particular, was playing well this game especially after the hard flagrant foul on Stephon Castle that ignited a moment where I looked in his eyes and could see the Flame of Anor burning in Vassell’s soul as he stepped up to defend his boy.
It was also nice to see Dylan Harper back in the fold. Although it seemed like his minutes were dialed back a bit perhaps due to his adductor injury, the effort and toughness we’ve come to expect was still there.
George Gervin called. He wants to know the best place to get alambre in San Antonio. Tell him it’s Guajillos off of 410. They also have the best salsa I’ve ever had. Ever. He also called to ask who that bad mother shut your mouth is who’s doing his moves.
I want to think even the Iceman was impressed by Vassell’s smooth finger roll that drew the foul. Nothing but ethical basketball played within these walls.
Look, there’s no guarantees in life. Not even taxes. Especially if you don’t pay them! I’m kidding of course. I pay taxes. (Ron Howard voice over: “He does not.”) (nervous laughter) I pay taxes. But take it from me, a person who definitely does not wish to be audited, I guarantee you that Victor Wembanyama will be more aggressive in the paint in Game 4.
As soon as I said to myself that this game was missing something I cannot quite think of, this lob happened. We were missing these lobs from Stephon Castle to Wembanyama like I miss the salsa from Guajillos ever since I moved out of San Antonio. Also salsa macha. I need to learn how to make salsa macha like these two need to find more alley-oop opportunities in the next game.
Fear not, Spurs fans. The boys will need to pick themselves up, dust off their shoulders, and get ready for the next match-up against the defending champions. It’s like at the end of The Empire Strikes Back when Luke and Leia are looking out into space and Luke puts his arm around Leia as a gesture of hope, comfort, and optimism that their group of rebels can face the tough challenge of toppling the empire. It’s exactly like that without the siblings making out scene.
If that analogy doesn’t stew your cereal, perhaps think of the final scene at the end of Game of Thrones Season 6 when Daenerys Targaryen stands before her fleet, army, and trio of dragons setting out for Westeros looking out across the sea with hope and optimism that she will bring order and peace to the realm (gotta fight for peace). It’s exactly like that without the siblings or aunt and nephew . . . ah never mind. I’ll see you all for the next game!
If you missed the game because you were too busy wielding the Flame of Anor, here are the full-game highlights:
Next up, the Spurs remain at home for Game 4 as they take on the Thunder on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
