Spurs Close Strong Behind Fox and Wembanyama to Take Down Jazz in Utah
After a frustrating loss to the Rockets, the Spurs rolled into Salt Lake City looking for a response-and they found it in a big way. Despite missing Luke Kornet (adductor) and facing a Jazz team without Lauri Markkanen (reconditioning), San Antonio put together a complete performance, pulling away late to beat Utah 126-109.
This one had its share of swings. The Spurs came out of the gates trading punches with the Jazz before exploding on a 15-0 run to start the second quarter.
That burst helped them outscore Utah 34-22 in the frame and take a 12-point lead into halftime. But the Jazz didn’t fold.
They clawed back, tied the game, and kept it close into the fourth. That’s when the Spurs flipped the switch.
With the game tied early in the fourth, San Antonio locked in on both ends. A 9-0 run gave them breathing room, and from there, it was all about closing.
The Spurs outscored the Jazz 29-17 in the final quarter and ended the game on another 9-0 run. For a young team that’s had its share of late-game struggles, this was a statement.
Fox Turns It On Late
De’Aaron Fox was the closer. The veteran guard poured in 31 points on an ultra-efficient 10-of-13 shooting, including 6-of-9 from deep.
He added five rebounds, five assists, and a block, but it was his fourth-quarter takeover that sealed it. Fox dropped 11 of his 31 in the final period, including three triples in a two-minute stretch that silenced the Utah crowd and put the game out of reach.
This was Fox’s highest-scoring game since early December, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Without his poise and shot-making, this could’ve been another one that slipped away. But Fox reminded everyone why he was once named the league’s Clutch Player of the Year-he doesn’t just rise to the moment, he owns it.
Wemby Does It All
Victor Wembanyama bounced back in a big way after a quiet night against Houston. The 7’4” phenom finished with 26 points (9-14 FG, 4-7 3PT, 4-4 FT), 14 rebounds, five blocks, and three assists-his most complete performance in weeks.
Wemby scored at all three levels: he hit threes in transition, cleaned up in the paint, knocked down midrange jumpers, and converted at the line. But it was his defense that really stood out. He recorded his first five-block game since late December, and some of them were highlight-reel stuff-pinning shots off the glass, snatching them out of mid-air, and making it look almost unfair with his reach and timing.
With Kornet out, Wembanyama logged 33 minutes-his highest total since mid-November-and looked fresh doing it. This was the version of Wemby that reminds you why the hype is real.
Keldon Johnson Brings the Energy
Keldon Johnson continues to thrive in his sixth-man role. He dropped 21 points on 9-of-19 shooting, added five assists, and chipped in a steal and a block.
Johnson’s physicality was on full display, especially during a stretch in the fourth where he played small-ball center and matched up with Jusuf Nurkic. Not only did he hold his own defensively, but he also got buckets using his trademark spin moves and downhill attacks.
Johnson’s versatility and willingness to do the dirty work have made him a key piece off the bench-and a legitimate contender for Sixth Man of the Year.
Champagnie Stays Hot
Julian Champagnie kept the hot hand going. After torching Houston for 27 points, he followed it up with 17 more against the Jazz, hitting 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. He gave the Spurs an early scoring jolt, especially in the first quarter, and continues to make a strong case for a spot in the All-Star Weekend 3-Point Contest.
Champagnie’s emergence has been timely, especially with Devin Vassell sidelined. He’s stepped into a bigger role and delivered with confidence.
Castle Fills the Stat Sheet
Rookie guard Stephon Castle played a season-high 38 minutes and made the most of it. He scored 16 points, dished out eight assists, grabbed six boards, and added two steals. While his shooting was inconsistent, Castle was aggressive, got to the line 10 times (making seven), and made life difficult for Utah’s guards on the defensive end.
He’s still working on finding rhythm with his jumper, but Castle’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways is already evident.
Carter Bryant Making Strides
Carter Bryant only played 13 minutes, but he made them count. The rookie chipped in seven points, four rebounds, an assist, and a block.
He knocked down a three, showed some finesse with a eurostep finish in transition, and brought energy on the defensive end. The game is starting to slow down for him, and his 3&D potential is beginning to show.
A Much-Needed Bounce-Back
This was a mature win for a young Spurs squad. They’ve let double-digit leads slip away before, but this time, they responded with poise and execution. The Fox-Wembanyama pick-and-roll was lethal in crunch time, and it’s something we could see more of moving forward-especially when the game tightens up in the fourth.
And remember that cold spell from three earlier this month? That’s ancient history now.
The Spurs hit 18 threes against Utah and have made at least 14 in every game over the past week. The shooting is heating up at the right time.
There’s still work to do, but this was a step in the right direction. The Spurs are learning how to close-and with Fox and Wemby leading the charge, they’re starting to look more dangerous doing it.