The San Antonio Spurs beat the Detroit Pistons by 114-103 and extended their winning streak to nine games. It is the longest winning streak of the season for the franchise.
Obviously, Victor Wembanyama finished as one of the top scorers of the game with 21 points, 17 rebounds, and six blocks. Devin Vassell carried the offensive load with 28 points. He connected seven 3-pointers. Apart from these two, three other Spurs players finished with double figures. Their team shot 18 of 40 from beyond the arc.
This Spurs win was built on the depth of their team and did not depend on just Wembanyama. Even Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff acknowledged it as well. He knew that Wembanyama would be a factor, but the rest of the team supported well. Vassell’s outside shooting was a reveralation and it opened the floor and created problems for the Pistons.
With this win, the San Antonio Spurs now sit at second in the Western Conference. In the first spot is the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. This momentum feels significant for the Spurs, as the last time they featured in the postseason was in 2019.
Even Wembanyama said that this win is a confirmation of growth and potential. According to him, “that was a good test, and the Spurs passed it.”
During the game, Cade Cunningham, Pistons guard, was called for an offensive foul after knocking Stephon Castle to the floor. After that, Spurs forward Keldon Johnson retaliated with a push. Then Pistons center Jalen Duren got into Johnson’s face. After the review, both Johnson and Duren were hit with technical fouls.
Castle said that this physical exchange only strengthened their resolve. It made one thing clear: the Spurs are not going to be pushed around.
According to Wembanyama, the approach of Detroit was physical and deliberate. He also said that the Pistons are probably the team most capable of playing that style. Mitch Johnson, Spur coach, said that his team was ready for that kind of challenge from Detroit.
Wembanyama is in his third NBA season and said he doesn’t yet know what playoffs feel like. He stressed that this game with the Pistons might have given them a preview of what to expect from the league’s more physical contenders.
