The Silver and Black had an outstanding first half, securing a 27-point lead and heading into halftime with a score of 75-55. Unfortunately, the Spurs faced some challenges in the second half due to Devin Vassell’s left groin tightness and Devin Booker’s impressive performance for the Suns. With 4:21 remaining in the game, the score was tied at 116-116. However, the Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama, rallied with a remarkable 12-0 run in just over two minutes, securing a comfortable victory with an 11-point lead.
Victor’s exceptional 38-point performance was not only incredible on offense but also decisive on the defensive end, particularly during crunch time. San Antonio also saw standout performances from Tre Jones and Jeremy Sochan, who contributed significantly at both ends of the court. Cedi Osman provided crucial baskets to maintain the lead, and Zach Collins had an impressive game with 19 points. While Victor shone brightly, it was truly a team effort for the Silver and Black, as they withstood Phoenix’s relentless pursuit and emerged victorious with a final score of 132-121.
Music Break:
If you anticipated a cheerful tune with a title like ‘Seasons in the Sun,’ you would be gravely mistaken. In reality, it predominantly revolves around the subject of death.
Observations
- During the pregame, Sean Elliott discussed his career’s notable comebacks, including the renowned Memorial Game Miracle against the Trail Blazers. It is possible that one day the Halloween Miracle of 2023 will be similarly esteemed in the Spurs’ historical legacy.
- It is a rare sight to witness Wembanyama lose the opening tipoff.
- Despite concerns that the Spurs might rest on their laurels following their victory on Tuesday, they dispelled such worries by scoring the first 13 points of the game.
- Wembanyama’s presence in the paint significantly disrupted the Suns’ offense, leaving only Durant as the notable contributor in the first quarter.
- Compared to their performance in the previous game, the Spurs displayed scorching hot shooting in the first half, hitting 7 of their first 9 three-point attempts.
- The first quarter proved to be the Spurs’ most dominant period of the season thus far, as they held a commanding 39-20 lead.
- Devin Booker initially displayed rustiness at the start of the game, accumulating 3 quick fouls and subsequently checking out in the second quarter. However, he eventually regained his form and posed a significant offensive threat as the Suns attempted to mount a comeback.
- Switching Eric Gordon onto Victor Wembanyama did not appear to be a sound defensive strategy, yet the Suns persistently employed it.
- Although the Spurs enjoyed a 27-point lead in the second quarter, the Suns found their rhythm and gradually closed the gap, with Grayson Allen inflicting significant damage through open shots facilitated by Durant’s movements.
- The Suns entered the bonus early in the second quarter, which was one of the few positives for their offense in the early stages of the game.
- Recognizing Victor Wembanyama’s skill as a free throw shooter, the Spurs strategically sent him to the line for technical free throws, not only providing an opportunity for him to score but also establishing a rhythm.
- At halftime, the Spurs comfortably led 75-55, extending their lead by one point in the second quarter thanks to late three-pointers from Wembanyama.
- Just before halftime, Drew Eubanks delivered a forceful blow to Tre Jones’ jaw with his shoulder, delivering a hit that appeared intentional. Despite no foul being called, Jones demonstrated his toughness by returning to play in the second half.
- Devin Vassell’s absence in the second half due to left groin tightness necessitated the entry of Malaki Branham. Branham admirably provided scoring prowess from the perimeter, contributing to the Spurs’ ability to withstand the Suns’ attacks.
- The Suns struggled to contain Victor Wembanyama’s dominance in the paint. It is increasingly apparent that passing the ball high to him results in easy baskets, presenting a formidable challenge for opposing teams.
- The Spurs experienced a slight dip in performance in the third quarter, allowing the Suns to reduce the deficit to 14 points at 89-103, reminiscent of the margin San Antonio overcame in the fourth quarter a few days prior.
- With Devin Vassell sidelined, the Spurs’ offense faced limitations in the second half, making it difficult to contain Booker’s late-game offensive outburst.
- Keita Bates-Diop delivered an impressive performance in his first extended action of the season for the Suns, capitalizing on open shot opportunities.
- When Wembanyama had to rest early in the fourth quarter, the Suns staged a remarkable comeback, closing the gap to just three points. Noteworthy contributions from players like KBD and Watanabe supplemented Booker’s exceptional scoring display.
- With 6 minutes remaining, Victor re-entered the game, but KBD’s corner three-pointer tied the game with 4 minutes left on the clock.
- A sensational 12-0 run led by Wembanyama on offense and Sochan on defense afforded the Spurs a 12-point lead with a minute and a half remaining.
- Although the Suns resorted to fouling the Spurs in an attempt to salvage the game, the Silver and Black managed to hold on and secure a 132-121 victory.
With two wins against the Suns, the Spurs now hold a 3-2 record. Their next game will be a Sunday afternoon matchup against the Toronto Raptors at 2:30 Central at the Frost Back Center.
