“No Webby, No Problem” for Spurs vs. Kings

If Victor Wembanyama misses out for the first time this season with calf discomfort, Spurs on the other hand, don’t miss the start of the match. With De’Aaron Fox and Harrison Barnes aggressive and optimistic against a franchise they know well, 3-pointers fell from all directions and the gap quickly climbed over ten units. Especially since the opposite, Kings thwart both behind the arc, to secure rebounds or disrupt opposing shooters (36-24).

Dennis Schroeder coming off the bench, and especially DeMar DeRozan in the room where he has his habits, are the only players Sacramento to give the appearance of resistance. The problem is that it is insufficient because it is replaced by Saint Anthonyand especially Jeremy Sochan and Keldon Johnson, are just as sharp as the rookies. Devin Vassell and Luke Cornett try to open the gap again, but Russell Westbrook and Domantas Sabonis hold on to get theirs back (67-59).

The Kings defense is no longer suffocating after the break and Luke Cornett is using this to improve his stats near the circle. Frustration grows as the whistles don’t come, and Julian Champagnie takes the penalty on the narrowest of 3-pointers. Logically, Spurs give shine to their opponents. After three quarters, it’s hard to see how the trend can be reversed, given the difference in level between the two teams. Despite the 13-2 Californians to maintain suspense (95-85).

With their experienced players, including the duo of Westbrook/Sabonis, Sacramento tries to ignite the game and comes back within two possessions. In contrast, Harrison Barnes has a cool head, but a hot wrist, to fend off enemy attacks. Then another former King, De’Aaron Fox, was responsible for making painful baskets to lead San Antonio to victory (123-110). And in style, what’s more, since they led only in the first minute.

Mention it De’Aaron Fox (28 points, 11 assists) et Harrison Barnes (20 points) on the Spurs side, doc DeMar DeRozan (27 points) et Dennis Schroder (22 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists) were the most prominent on the Kings side.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– The collective from San Antonio secures without “Wemby”. Obviously the absence of Victor Wembanyama has forced Spurs to find points elsewhere to compensate. With seven of his players scoring more than 10 points, Mitch Johnson can be pleased to see his team has the resources. In addition to De’Aaron Fox and Harrison Barnes, deciding when the Kings returned to -6, quality minutes were delivered by Luke Cornett, Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagne and Jeremy Sochan. And so keep constant pressure on this California defense with no benchmarks or answers.

– Sacramento is losing ground a little more. This now makes it six straight losses for the Kings, punished by two of their former players and weighed down by Zach LaVine’s failed matchup as well as their still-disastrous defense. Late on almost every opponent’s shot, unable to protect their circle and pushed on almost every contact, they were in trouble from start to finish. Add to that an offense that generally lacks inspiration and movement, and you have this ugly loss, against a group devoid of three leaders (Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper).

– Stephon Castle is out with an injury. After a discreet first half (4 points and 5 assists in 16 minutes), Novak in 2025 did not return from the locker room in uniform. Hit in the hip, we saw him on the bench and therefore, alongside Victor Wembanyama, he had to watch his teammates win without him. It remains to be seen how serious his injury is, as Dylan Harper is already stuck in the ER and De’Aaron Fox doesn’t look 100% physically yet.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.