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Wembanyama Dominates No. 1 Seed Pistons
Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski

When the stakes rise, so does Victor Wembanyama. In a potential NBA Finals preview between the Western Conference’s No. 2 seed San Antonio Spurs and the Eastern Conference’s top-seeded Detroit Pistons, the 7-foot-4 superstar delivered another reminder that the league’s future is already here. Behind Wembanyama’s all-around brilliance and Devin Vassell’s scoring explosion, the Spurs walked into Detroit and left with a commanding 114–103 victory, sending a message to the rest of the NBA that their championship window may already be wide open.

San Antonio improved to 41–16 overall and 20–10 on the road, while Detroit, despite still holding the East’s best record at 42–14, was outplayed for most of the night on its home floor.

Wembanyama Controls the Game on Both Ends

Wembanyama’s stat line was ridiculous even by his rapidly rising standards: 21 points, 17 rebounds, 6 blocks, and 4 assists in 36 minutes. He went 6-for-16 from the field and 7-for-8 from the free throw line, but his true dominance went far beyond scoring.

He anchored a Spurs defense that recorded 11 total blocks, erased driving lanes, and forced Detroit into uncomfortable offensive possessions throughout the night.

Most importantly, Wembanyama controlled the glass. His 17 rebounds included 8 offensive boards, repeatedly extending possessions and draining momentum from the Pistons.

Every time Detroit threatened to build a run, Wembanyama answered — whether it was a weak-side block, a rebound in traffic, or a calm offensive reset.

This was not just production. It was control.

Devin Vassell Leads the Offensive Charge

While Wembanyama dominated defensively, Devin Vassell carried the scoring load with 28 points, shooting an efficient 10-of-14 from the field and 7-of-11 from three-point range.

Vassell’s perimeter shooting stretched Detroit’s defense and punished every defensive collapse on Wembanyama.

His shot-making gave San Antonio separation in key stretches, especially in the second half when the Spurs began to take control.

Julian Champagnie added 17 points, Stephon Castle contributed 16 points and 11 assists, and De’Aaron Fox chipped in 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists, highlighting San Antonio’s balance and depth.

As a team, the Spurs finished with:

  • 45% from three-point range (18-for-40)
  • 32 assists
  • 15-point largest lead
  • Led for 70% of the game

Their offensive flow and defensive presence overwhelmed Detroit.

Pistons Struggle Against Spurs Length

Detroit had strong individual performances, but nothing consistent enough to overcome San Antonio’s defense.

Jalen Duren led the Pistons with 25 points and 14 rebounds, dominating inside when he had opportunities.

Cade Cunningham added 16 points and 10 assists, but struggled with efficiency, shooting just 5-of-26 from the field.

Duncan Robinson scored 13 points, while Ronald Holland II added 15 off the bench.

Despite outrebounding San Antonio 55–50 and scoring 62 points in the paint, Detroit could not overcome its perimeter struggles.

The Pistons shot just:

  • 38% from the field
  • 19% from three-point range (7-for-36)

San Antonio’s length and shot-contesting ability forced difficult looks all night.

Spurs Take Control in the Second Half

The game was competitive early.

Detroit led briefly in the first half, and the teams entered halftime with the Spurs holding a narrow lead.

But San Antonio’s defense tightened after the break.

The Spurs outscored Detroit in key stretches of the third and fourth quarters, gradually building separation.

Wembanyama’s rim protection and Vassell’s shooting proved to be the difference.

Once San Antonio gained control, they never gave it back.

Detroit’s win probability steadily dropped as the Spurs closed the game with confidence and composure.

A Potential Finals Preview — and a Warning to the League

This game felt bigger than a regular-season matchup.

It featured:

  • The No. 1 seed in the East
  • The No. 2 seed in the West
  • Two young superstar cores
  • And championship implications

And on Detroit’s home floor, San Antonio looked like the better team.

The Spurs showed elite defense, offensive balance, and star power.

Most importantly, they showed they have the best player on the floor.

Victor Wembanyama continues to redefine what’s possible in the NBA.

He protects the rim like a Defensive Player of the Year, rebounds like an elite center, and influences the game like a franchise superstar.

At just 22 years old, he is already capable of dominating the league’s best teams.

If this truly was a preview of June, one thing is clear:

Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs are not just coming.

They may already be here.

This article first appeared on EasySportz and was syndicated with permission.

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