Spurs' life beyond Wembanyama

The San Antonio Spurs are proving that their ascent up the NBA mountain won’t falter—even without their brightest star, Victor Wembanyama. The young phenom has been sidelined since colliding with Anthony Davis during a clash with the Lakers, nursing a right knee contusion. Given Wembanyama’s importance to the present and future of basketball, every precaution is being taken to ensure his full recovery.

In his absence, the Spurs have played three games, emerging with a positive record. After a narrow loss to the Dallas Mavericks in a Texas showdown, San Antonio rallied to secure back-to-back wins against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Utah Jazz. Each victory came with its own unique story.

A statement against the Thunder

Facing the conference favorites, the Thunder, the Spurs delivered a masterclass performance, matching Oklahoma City’s pace and intensity. It was a game that demanded admiration for the resilience and effort of San Antonio’s young squad.

Late surge seals victory over the Jazz

Against the Utah Jazz, however, the Spurs had to dig deep after a slow start. In a game where execution faltered early on, they relied heavily on their loyal home crowd to reignite their momentum. Even San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg joined in the celebration, thanking veteran Chris Paul for stepping up as a leader. Paul, who once loathed facing the Spurs, is now a crucial mentor for the team’s rising talents.

This victory was also a nod to legendary coach Gregg Popovich, who is recovering at home after a stroke forced him to step away temporarily from the NBA. The Spurs pulled off a gritty 126-118 win, evening their record at 8-8. Now, they brace for their next challenge: the red-hot Golden State Warriors.

Jazz struggles continue

For the Utah Jazz, the loss marked their fourth consecutive defeat on the road during their current tour. After dropping three games in California, their Texas stop didn’t bring relief. Despite a 20-point halftime lead fueled by Lauri Markkanen—who led all scorers—Utah crumbled in the final 20 minutes.

Head coach Will Hardy’s frustration was palpable, as his team squandered its advantage. Poor perimeter defense and lackluster shooting efficiency plagued both sides, but San Antonio maintained composure when it mattered most, securing the win.

Around the NBA: close contests define the night

Raptors 110, Timberwolves 105
Toronto outlasted Minnesota in a gritty battle, holding their ground in crunch time.

Hornets 123, Pistons 121
Charlotte edged Detroit in a nail-biter, with a last-minute surge sealing their triumph.

Article by Mike Maestre. Translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Calum Roche.

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