For their first decisive match under the Victor Wembanyama era, the Spurs missed their point in Phoenix this Tuesday evening. Mitch Johnson's men, beaten in Arizona by 11 points (93-104), had the opportunity to finish first in the NBA Cup group to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.
But the Texans, who nevertheless remained on a good dynamic, with five victories in six games, missed their chance. Failing in their attitudes and not united enough in the difficulty, the Spurs were thus punished by the Suns who were far from unplayable.
Two halves, two faces for Victor Wembanyama
The executives were thus not there, veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes not having had their usual impact. Victor Wembanyama was pushed around, heckled, especially in the first period, which ended without any points and with 0/7 on shots. The rookie of the year 2024, newly elected “Defender of the Month” in the Western Conference, recovered from the start of the second period, showing himself to be more incisive to take care of appearances and sign his 8th double-double of the season (15 points on 6/18 shots, 13 rebounds and 7 assists in 34 minutes), despite four lost balls, a long distance address at half mast (1/9) and several questionable choices in attack.
The Suns, who led the entire game, relied on a radiant Devin Booker (29 points on 10/21 shooting, 9 rebounds and 5 assists in 39 minutes) and a precious Tyus Jones on both sides of the field (16 points at 6/10 on shots and 4 assists for 33 minutes) to make the difference. After a complicated end to November, Phoenix is back on track with this second victory in a row and will try to continue on Thursday in New Orleans while the Spurs will return to the Frost Bank Center, also on Thursday, against the Bulls.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
— The Spurs in difficulty behind the arc. Two days after their record for 3-point shots scored in a game, the Texans took the blow, finishing the game with an 8/44 on winning shots. Lonely, Devin Vassell was one of the rare Spurs players to display decent skill (10/14 on shots, for 25 points).
— Successful return for Jeremy Sochan. With his new green dye, the American-Polish winger delivered a solid match for his recovery, with 14 points and 12 rebounds in 22 minutes. The 9th choice of the 2022 Draft had not set foot on the floor since November 4 and his broken finger.
— The Suns also eliminated from the “NBA Cup”. Mike Budenholzer's men did not have their destiny in their hands: in addition to their victory against the Spurs, they had to count on an OKC defeat against the Jazz but Jalen Williams and his gang were serious against the penultimate of the Western Conference.
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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.
From our correspondent in the United States.
