After narrowly losing to the Jazz despite scoring 17 3-point baskets, San Antonio did it again with more success Monday night against the Kings. Still without Gregg Popovich on the bench, the Texan team brought the Kings to their knees (116-96) with a dream evening behind the arc, in particular for Victor Wembanyama.
The Spurs began to build their work in the second quarter, after having only made two baskets in the last six minutes of the first quarter and having fared less badly against Sacramento not much more inspired (22-26). The numerous lost balls in the first act turned into winning shots, with an incandescent Victor Wembanyama. The French interior brings theirs back thanks to two shots almost in quick succession from the logo. Champagnie, Collins, Mamukelashvili and even Chris Paul at the buzzer of the first period… Everyone gets involved for San Antonio with a 7/13 from afar and 38 points scored in the second quarter to lead 60-55.
41 points conceded by San Antonio in the second period
On the basis of a new triple-double at rest (16 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists), Victor Wembanyama is no longer successful by far. So he lets his teammates take their responsibilities.
The start of the third quarter is stifling for Sacramento, completely topsy-turvy, when the Spurs continue to pile up long shots from the start, three after 2 minutes 20 in the period! The gap climbs to +15 thanks to… a 3+1 from Devin Vassell, whose return is precious.
For its part, Sacramento no longer takes a shot, especially at mid-distance. And as the Spurs shooting festival is not over, the scenario of the match is in less and less doubt. Victor Wembanyama and the Texan defense take care of extinguishing any suspense. The Frenchman put the lid on with 12 of his 34 points in the evening (along with 14 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 blocks) in the fourth quarter for a convincing success.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Victor Wembanyama settled on shooting, and the Spurs with it. Clumsy since the start of the season at 3-pointers, the rookie of the year 2024 has regained his sensations. Author of his team's first two winners, with confidence, “Wemby” showed the way forward, and the Spurs enjoyed themselves. San Antonio's 22 award winners (22/46) equal a franchise record, including six from the Habs, who reached this total (record for him) for the second time in two games.
– Maestro Chris Paul is starting to bear fruit. By putting more rhythm and fluidity into his team's play, the leader gives another face to San Antonio. He signed a double-double (12 points, 11 assists) for the fourth time this season, and for a third success. Not bad for a player who only passed the 10-10 mark five times last season.
– Sacramento without solution. The leaders of the Kings generally played their game: 24 points for De'Aaron Fox, 23 points and 12 rebounds for Domantas Sabonis, 21 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists for DeMar DeRozan. But they were terribly lonely with the only Trey Lyles who exceeded 5 points around (8 units). The absence of Malik Monk for two weeks risks being felt, especially if the Kings defend so poorly at 3-points.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
