Devin Vassell led the charge with a career-best 36 points. In comparison, Victor Wembanyama contributed 13 points and 15 rebounds, helping the Spurs end an 18-game losing streak with a 129-115 win over a depleted Los Angeles Lakers team during Friday’s NBA action.
“It didn’t feel like a normal win,” Vassell said. “You seen people jumping around on the side. I’m trying to stay composed. It’s special. This is a special group, and at the end of the day, I don’t think we would have sat here and been like, ‘We’re going to lose 17, 18 in a row at the start of the season.’”
Back from missing a game due to a bruised left calf, LeBron James scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. The Lakers were without Anthony Davis, sidelined with a hip injury, and missed starters D’Angelo Russell and Cam Reddish due to health issues.
James acknowledged the Spurs’ strong performance despite the challenges, noting their exceptional shooting. Keldon Johnson and Zach Collins also played vital roles for San Antonio, scoring 17 and 16 points, respectively. This victory marked a turning point for the 4-20 Spurs, surpassing their franchise record for last season’s longest losing streak.
“Our team is not built to have three starters out,” James said, “but you can give credit where credit is due. San Antonio played great tonight. They shot the ball extremely well.”
The game had a high-stakes feel for the Spurs, with Vassell expressing the win’s significance for the team’s morale. Despite the Lakers’ fatigue, playing their third game in four nights, they attempted to compensate for Davis’ absence with a balanced offensive approach, with Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura scoring 22 and 20 points, respectively.
San Antonio quickly established a commanding lead but saw the Lakers’ spirited comeback challenged it. However, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich praised his team’s defensive efforts and acknowledged their need for offensive improvement.
“Tonight, we made shots, but overall, I think the defense was pretty good,” San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said. “It’s been pretty good and improved significantly, but offensively we still have a ways to go. But I thought that they competed well. It’s tough to go up 20 against a team that’s run by LeBron on that court since he knows how to manipulate everything and do what has to be done to win a game.”
Wembanyama, known for his defensive prowess, added five assists and two blocks to his night’s tally. He had a notable encounter with James, failing to block a three-pointer in a rare matchup between two No. 1 draft picks from different eras.
“This is what I’m addicted to, this is what I love,” Wembanyama said.
James reflected on the challenge of shooting over Wembanyama’s impressive wingspan, adjusting his technique to score successfully.
“Just tried to get his hands to go down just a little bit because I know his wingspan,” James said “I know he’s able to block shots outside his comfort zone. I just tried to create a little bit more room, shoot a little bit higher and I was able to knock it down.”
The Lakers are set to host the New York Knicks, while the Spurs will welcome the New Orleans Pelicans in their upcoming games.
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