Six in a row for the Spurs against the Warriors

U demonstrations against the Lakers the day before, the Spurs struggled to get going and the Warriors took advantage. The skill of Draymond Green (17 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists), Moses Moody (17 points) and Brandin Podziemski (16 points) gives them control over the work (23-14). After Victor Wembanyama (26 points, 9 rebounds), De’Aaron Fox (27 points, 8 assists), the author of 12 points in the last three minutes of the first quarter, allows the Spurs to limit the damage (38-31).

The intercity address of the Golden State does not let up. After Moody and Podziemski, it was Quinten Post’s turn (12 points) to set the goal (54-41). After Wembley, Spurs are gradually getting back into their game. Their defense raises the tone and only Gary Payton II (10 points, 5 assists), always opportunistic in the back line, manages to find an error. Devin Vassell’s 3-point shooting foul just before halftime allowed the Spurs to return to the locker room with a 12-5 lead to stay in touch (67-63).

Spurs remain in ambush

The Warriors immediately regained the lead at the start of the second half. Moses Moody and DeAnthony Melton (17 points, 7 assists) make three of three from the distance and inflict 9-0 on their opponent (76-63)! Spurs try to react, but their attack lacks rhythm. They missed a string of three-pointers, while in contrast, Pat Spencer’s backhand and Guy Santos’ backdoor gave Golden State a sixteen-point lead (86-70).

With Victor Vembanjam, Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox on the bench, Keldon Johnson (21 points) is the one who revives San Antonio. He scored seven straight points and started an 11-0 run that forced Steve Kerr to call a timeout (86-81). Quinten Post temporarily stopped the bleeding, but Fox’s shot at the fourth quarter buzzer put the two teams back (94-94).

Wemby is a matador

The Spurs continue their momentum. Wemby sends Harrison Barnes in for a dunk, he sweeps Pat Spencer’s shot, finishes the lane and makes a 3-pointer (106-96)! The Warriors try to make a comeback, but nothing works. The Fox-Wemby duel secures San Antonio’s sixth straight win before the All-Star break.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Ten minutes that changed the game. With the Spurs inside, without a rhythm for two and a half quarters and down -16, Mitch Johnson found his detonator in the person of Keldon Johnson. With the Warriors losing their long-range skills, the winger scored seven straight points to get his team back on track. Dylan Harper and De’Aaron Fox then followed suit and Victor Wembanyama finished to knock the Warriors out. In ten minutes in the 3rd and 4th quarter, San Antonio went 36-10 on Golden State and reversed the trend.

Duel Victor Wembanyama – Draymond Green. During the first two face-to-face meetings between the two teams in November in San Antonio, Wemby and Green had two intense duels. On this night, the Warriors star was once again present at the meeting. He struggled with the French stick the entire match, while finishing on the verge of a triple double (17 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists). Victor Wembanyama showed Olympic composure and picked his moments to hurt the Warriors. He finished with 26 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks.

The Warriors ran out of juice. As in recent matches, Steve Kerr’s men struggled like hell to make up for the many absences. Despite six players with 10 or more points and 37 assists, they ran out of juice in the last 18 minutes of the match. Their good early game skill disappeared and their defense struggled to control repeated surges from San Antonio. They should be reunited with Stephen Curry and Kristaps Porzingis after All-Star weekend.

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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.