The Suns were missing a key player in Dillon Brooks, who sat out due to a suspension after racking up 16 technical fouls before the All-Star Break. Things took a turn for the worse when Devin Booker couldn't return after halftime because of hip soreness.
The Spurs seized the opportunity, overcoming a shaky first half where Victor Wembanyama relied too much on outside shots. Despite this, they held a 12-point lead, thanks in part to solid contributions from Luke Kornet and others.
In the second half, Victor shifted his focus to dominating the paint and showcased his defensive prowess, helping the Spurs pull away with a commanding 37-22 third quarter. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the Spurs had extended their lead to over 30 points, allowing them to rest their starters and bring in the bench squad, including Bismack Biyombo and Carter Bryant.
The reserves held strong, sealing a 121-94 victory. Victor celebrated post-game by rallying the crowd, adding to the electric atmosphere in Austin.
Observations:
It was a warm evening in Austin, perfect for basketball. The Spurs sported their vibrant Fiesta colors, making it feel like a home game despite the distance from San Antonio. The logistics of hosting a game at the Moody Center, over an hour from their usual venue, must have been quite the undertaking.
The game started with both teams playing at a frenetic pace, with the Spurs narrowly leading 17-16 midway through the first quarter. A successful challenge by the Suns on an out-of-bounds call was quickly overshadowed by a turnover, prompting another timeout. The first quarter ended with the Spurs up 30-25 after a somewhat scrappy start from both sides.
Carter Bryant, once a novelty in the lineup, has now become a regular fixture. Meanwhile, Luke Kornet continues to be a reliable presence, stepping up whenever Wembanyama needs a breather. His ability to energize the crowd with his plays is invaluable.
The second quarter saw the Spurs extend their lead, but they struggled to contain Jalen Green and Collin Gillespie, allowing the Suns to close the gap to 61-49 by halftime. Both teams seemed to be shaking off the post-All-Star break rust.
Without Booker, the Suns were at a disadvantage as the Spurs opened the third quarter with a 12-2 run, pushing their lead to 22 points. Steph Castle's early foul trouble didn't slow the Spurs down, as Dylan Harper filled in seamlessly.
Jamaree Bouyea's journey to the Suns' rotation is a testament to his perseverance, and it's always rewarding to see players like him thrive in the NBA.
Victor Wembanyama's dominance in the paint was a highlight of the third quarter, as the Spurs outscored the Suns 37-22. Coach Mitch Johnson decided to rest his starters with 10 minutes left, putting in a lineup of Biyombo, McLaughlin, Bryant, Harper, and Olynyk to close out the game.
The Spurs will stay in Austin for a few more days, facing the Sacramento Kings next. They'll then hit the road for a five-game stretch, starting with the Pistons and including a key matchup against the Knicks. After this road trip, they'll enjoy a favorable schedule with 13 of their final 21 games at home, which could be crucial in their playoff push.