Spurs Dominate Wire-to-Wire Behind Wembanyama’s Efficiency, Extend Win Streak to Five
This was the kind of performance that turns heads-not just because of the scoreboard, but because of how complete it was from start to finish. The San Antonio Spurs, riding a growing wave of confidence, controlled every aspect of their matchup against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night.
From the opening tip to the final buzzer, they looked like a team that’s starting to figure things out. And they did it on the second night of a back-to-back.
The Hawks, also playing the second leg of a back-to-back, looked like the more fatigued team despite being at home. Outside of a brief burst to open the third quarter, Atlanta never really threatened. The Spurs built an early lead, extended it quarter by quarter, and never looked back-cruising to what might be their easiest win of the season.
Wembanyama Wastes No Time
Victor Wembanyama didn’t even crack 25 minutes on the floor, but he didn’t need to. The rookie phenom poured in 26 points in just 21 minutes, once again showing that his impact isn’t measured by minutes played, but by moments seized.
He didn’t record a block until the third quarter, but that doesn’t tell the whole story-opponents are already thinking twice about challenging him at the rim, and some are simply turning around or passing out of shots altogether. That kind of presence doesn’t show up in the box score, but it warps the game.
Balanced Contributions Across the Board
Devin Vassell stayed hot with 18 points, continuing to assert himself as a reliable scoring option. Rookie Stephon Castle had one of his best all-around games to date, finishing with 17 points and 7 assists. He might’ve had more if the game had stayed competitive, but he got most of the fourth quarter off with the outcome already decided.
Even the deep bench got quality minutes. Jordan McLaughlin led the way in extended garbage time, while Lindy Waters III, Jeremy Sochan, and Carter Bryant all saw the floor.
Sochan is still searching for rhythm, but games like this offer a low-pressure environment to get back on track. The bench was outscored by just two in the fourth, a small detail, but one that speaks to how locked in the entire roster was.
Hawks Struggle to Keep Pace
Nickeil Alexander-Walker had a solid showing for Atlanta, but beyond that, it was a rough night. The Hawks were missing key pieces due to injury, and it showed.
Their offense never found a rhythm, and their defense had no answers for San Antonio’s pace and ball movement. The Spurs outscored the Hawks in each of the first three quarters, and by the time the fourth rolled around, the deficit had ballooned to 38.
The Hawks did show a spark out of halftime, opening the third quarter on a 7-2 run that forced an early timeout from Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson. That’s a change from earlier in the season-Johnson has been more proactive lately with in-game adjustments, and it’s paying off. After the timeout, San Antonio responded with an 8-0 run of their own, led by Wembanyama, and slammed the door shut.
Fox’s Role Growing On and Off the Court
Before the game, De’Aaron Fox sat down for a pregame interview, reflecting on his journey with the Spurs. He debuted with the team in a game against these same Hawks last season, and while it took some time for fans to warm up to him-especially after missing time due to finger surgery-he’s quickly becoming a key piece on and off the court. Fox has been steady this season, and his leadership is starting to show in the way this backcourt operates.
It’s hard to find a better trio of guards right now than Fox, Castle, and Blake Harper. They bring a mix of speed, vision, and defensive grit that’s giving opponents headaches and giving Spurs fans something to get excited about.
Eastern Conference Success and Draft Implications
The Spurs are now 7-1 against Eastern Conference opponents, with their only loss coming to the Cavaliers. And yes, that Knicks loss doesn’t count-at least not in the official standings.
But there’s another layer to this win: San Antonio owns Atlanta’s first-round pick in next year’s draft. Every Hawks loss, especially ones handed to them by the Spurs, could help San Antonio move up the board.
Two wins against Atlanta this season? That could be the difference between a mid-first and a lottery pick.
Notable Moments and Observations
- San Antonio opened the game hitting 4-of-8 from deep, with Vassell leading the charge. That early shooting barrage forced a quick timeout from Hawks coach Quin Snyder.
- Barnes finally broke a cold streak from beyond the arc, knocking down a three in the second quarter after missing his previous 18 attempts.
- The Spurs led 32-19 after the first quarter and 68-44 at the half-their largest halftime lead of the season.
- The Kornet Kontest made an early appearance. The result?
Missed shot. Coincidence?
Maybe. But it’s always fun to see it work.
What’s Next
The Spurs’ win streak now sits at five-longest of the season, excluding the NBA Cup action-and they’ll look to keep it rolling Sunday night in Washington. The Wizards gave them a bit of a challenge in their last meeting, hanging around for two and a half quarters before the Spurs pulled away for a 25-point win. If San Antonio brings the same energy they showed against Atlanta, they’ll be in good shape.
This is a team that’s starting to believe in itself. The defense is tightening up, the rotations are cleaner, and the young core is growing more confident by the game.
It’s early, but the signs are there: the Spurs are building something. And nights like this are how it starts.