Wembanyama drops 38 as Spurs take down NBA-leading Pistons

The San Antonio Spurs returned home after more than a month away during their annual Rodeo Road Trip, the stretch of games played away from home each year while their arena hosts San Antonio’s famous rodeo events.

Their return to the Frost Bank Center came with a major test. Visiting town were the Detroit Pistons, leaders of the Eastern Conference and one of the only two teams in the NBA with a better record than San Antonio.

But in the span of just 10 days, the Spurs have now beaten them twice, and looked comfortable doing it.

Wemby unstoppable in Spurs’ win over East-leading Pistons

After a 114–103 win in Detroit on February 23, San Antonio followed it up with a 121–106 victory at home. The win marked the Spurs’ sixth victory in seven games against the NBA’s two top teams this season. Against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Western Conference leaders, they hold a 4–1 record.

Those results make it clear that San Antonio is more than capable of competing for a championship this year.

On Thursday night, the Spurs never trailed. The game began with a three-pointer from Victor Wembanyama, and from that moment on San Antonio stayed in control. They pushed the tempo early and built a 17-point lead in the first quarter, fueled by 54% shooting from three-point range. Their advantage grew to 22 points after halftime.

Detroit managed to cut the lead to eight in the fourth quarter, but the outcome never truly felt in doubt. The Spurs dominated the interior with a 52–36 edge in points in the paint and an 11–4 advantage in blocks, with Wembanyama leading the way.

The French star finished with 38 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 blocks. He got plenty of support as well. De’Aaron Fox added 29 points, while Stephon Castle contributed 11 points and 12 assists.

For Detroit, Cade Cunningham scored 26 points and handed out eight assists, and Isaiah Stewart added 18 points.

However, San Antonio’s interior dominance limited Jalen Duren to 7 points and 7 rebounds, well below the level typically expected from Detroit’s second-best player this season.

Other NBA results

• Orlando Magic 115 – 114 Dallas Mavericks
• Washington Wizards 112 – 122 Utah Jazz
• Miami Heat 126 – 110 Brooklyn Nets
• Houston Rockets 113 – 115 Golden State Warriors
• Minnesota Timberwolves 115 – 107 Toronto Raptors
• Phoenix Suns 103 – 105 Chicago Bulls
• Sacramento Kings 123 – 133 New Orleans Pelicans
• Denver Nuggets 120 – 113 Los Angeles Lakers

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