Without Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs confirm their ticket to the “final four” of the NBA Cup

I Victor Vembanyama traveled to Los Angeles, The Frenchman was not in uniform at the beginning of this duel between the Lakers and the Spurs. The meeting to determine the fourth team that will travel to Las Vegas to play in the NBA Cup semifinals and challenge the nearly unbeatable Thunder, a big winner for the Sun.

The Angelinos started the game by not missing a shot in the first three minutes behind a Luka Doncic (35 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists), author of 11 points in the first act. However, he is not the one who has shown himself the most since then Keldon Johnson steals the show. The Spurs scored 13 points in five minutes, including three straight baskets. After that, San Antonio finished the first quarter with a 15-4 run and led 39:30 after twelve minutes.

Spurs increase the difference a little more after two winning shots from Justin Champagne (47-30), but the Lakers are not sinking yet thanks to the return of Luka Doncic, who brings his team back to within ten lengths. In the last minute of this first half, the game got out of control.

It all starts with a poster from LeBron James (19 points, 15 rebounds, 8 assists) further Luke Cornetbut the Spurs pivot takes revenge by going on the counter Austin Reaves on the next possession. Offensively, San Antonio responds with a signed “floater” De’Aaron Fox (20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists) then the leader takes advantage of a bad defensive pull by California to find Harrison Barnes completely forgotten by the Los Angeles defense (70-58).

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— Thibault Mairesse (@MNThibault_) December 11, 2025

Spurs are evolving

After the break, Stephon Castle makes a layup from behind the arc, which starts a 10-2 run in favor of the Texans, who take a twenty-point lead, the biggest deficit of the match (80-60). However, the Lakers try to get back into the game, but their rebellion attempt is suppressed by the players on the San Antonio bench, while De’Aaron Fox takes the responsibility to give some air to his team with a long-range shot (104-87).

The final act begins with Austin Reeves’ game-winning shot, but San Antonio immediately responds with a 6-0 run that gives them a twenty-point lead. Lagging behind, the Lakers do not admit defeat and count on a very good result Marcus Smart (26 points, 3 rebounds) who multiplies the shot for 3 points and Austin Reeves who converts 2+1 and returns to eight points (122-114). Despite this burst of pride, Los Angeles was unable to equalize and lost 119:132.

Therefore, without Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs manage to confirm their ticket to the semi-finals of the NBA Cup. They will challenge the Thunder this Saturday, it remains to be seen if the Frenchman will be in uniform.

WHAT TO REMEMBER:

No Wembies, no problem. This Spurs victory is not the merit of one man, but of a perfectly coordinated team. If Keldon Johnson got the Spurs on track thanks to his hot shooting in the first quarter, it was mostly the contributions of his teammates off the bench. The Dylan Harper-Keldon Johnson-Justin Champagne trio combined for 46 points compared to 31 for all of California’s replacements, including Marcus Smart with 26 points.

The Lakers dominated the defense. The main problem of the Lakers in this match is mostly defensive. JJ Redick’s men made mistakes that allowed San Antonio to get numerous open shots from behind the arc while in the paint, making mistakes, sending the Texans to the free throw line on numerous occasions. The proof is that the Spurs shot 36 free throws in this match, while they shot an average of only 26 this season.

Spurs continue. Thanks to this success, San Antonio signs its fourth success in five games. A win that allows them to move ahead of the Rockets and into the Top 4 in the West. Now head to Las Vegas for the Texans to challenge the Thunder to qualify for the NBA Cup Finals. A clash that could finally mark the return of Victor Wembanyama who has missed his team’s last twelve outings.

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.