The San Antonio Spurs returned home after their NBA Cup run and stepped into what had all the makings of a trap game - and for a half, it looked like they might fall into it. Back in their own building for the first time since December 2, facing the struggling 4-20 Washington Wizards in a regular season game with no immediate stakes, the Spurs eased into the night with a sluggish first half. But once the second half tipped off, they flipped the switch, turned a modest four-point lead into a 119-94 blowout, and gave their starters some much-needed rest ahead of a back-to-back in Atlanta.
Dylan Harper Steals the Show
Rookie guard Dylan Harper continues to build momentum - and confidence - in what’s becoming a breakout stretch. He dropped a career-high 24 points, leading a balanced Spurs offense that saw six players hit double figures.
Harper was locked in from deep (3-of-5 from three) and capped his night with a soaring dunk that caught even him by surprise. His energy and shot-making were a major spark off the bench, and his performance is starting to feel less like a fluke and more like a trend.
Wemby Finds His Groove in Limited Minutes
Victor Wembanyama didn’t make much noise in the first half, but he came alive in the third quarter - just when the Spurs needed to create separation. Nine of his 15 points came in that frame, as he found his rhythm offensively and made his presence felt on the defensive end.
Wemby only logged 17 minutes, still coming off the bench and operating under a minutes restriction. But even in short stints, his impact is unmistakable.
The Spurs haven’t given a timeline for when his role will expand, but performances like this suggest he’s ready for more.
Jeremy Sochan Returns - and Brings the Hustle
After missing four games, Jeremy Sochan returned to action and immediately brought his trademark defensive energy. He checked in midway through the first quarter - before Wemby - and later shared the floor with him to open the fourth.
Statistically, it was a quiet night (2 rebounds, an assist, a block), but Sochan’s value often goes beyond the box score. He was active, disruptive, and looked comfortable sliding back into the rotation.
That’s a good sign for a Spurs team that thrives on defensive versatility.
Bench Mob Delivers Big
The Spurs’ bench didn’t just hold the line - they dominated. San Antonio’s reserves poured in 66 points, and this wasn’t just garbage time filler.
Alongside Harper and Wembanyama, Julian Champagnie rediscovered his shooting touch after a rough NBA Cup stretch, going 4-of-9 from deep. The second unit’s energy and execution completely overwhelmed a Wizards team that, to be fair, has struggled to compete all season.
Wizards Show Flashes, But Can’t Keep Up
Washington had five players score in double figures, led by Alex Sarr’s 18 and Bub Carrington’s 17. But after hanging around in the first half, they simply couldn’t match the Spurs’ depth or second-half surge. The Wizards continue to search for answers during a season that’s quickly slipping away.
A Sluggish Start, But a Strong Finish
Whether it was the post-Vegas letdown or just the natural dip that can follow high-stakes Cup games, the Spurs looked a little flat early. The energy wasn’t quite there, and the game lacked the intensity we saw during their recent NBA Cup run.
But in the second half, they found their rhythm - and once they did, the game turned fast. The ball movement picked up, the defense tightened, and the Wizards had no answers.
Harrison Barnes Still Ice Cold
One of the few low notes for San Antonio came from veteran Harrison Barnes, who went 0-of-6 from the field and is now 0-for-18 over his last three games. Shooters go through slumps, and Barnes has the experience to work through it - but this stretch has to feel a little surreal for a guy known for consistency. The law of averages says it’ll turn around soon.
Looking Ahead
The Spurs now head to Atlanta for the second half of a back-to-back, and with the starters getting some rest in the fourth quarter, they should be relatively fresh. Wemby’s minutes will be something to watch, as will Harper’s continued emergence. If the bench keeps producing like this, and the young stars keep growing, San Antonio’s rebuild might start turning a corner sooner than expected.