The San Antonio Spurs entered their game against the Utah Jazz with their NBA Cup chances and the chance to extend their winning streak. They had a strong performance from their superstar and rookie as they defeated the Jazz 128-115.

Victor Wembanyama was represented on both sides and scored a game-high 34 points as well as 7 rebounds and 3 blocks. His rising partner in crime and the second half of the “Area 51” nickname, Stephon Castle, scored 23 points and 5 assists, matching his career high in scoring. The emerging duo was joined by players like Julian Champagnie and Chris Paul in a fourth quarter run that stifled the Jazz and won the game for the Spurs.

With the win, the Spurs remain in second place in West Group B for the NBA Cup. They need the Los Angeles Lakers to lose to the Phoenix Suns to have a chance of getting out of their group. If Phoenix wins on Tuesday, the winner of the Spurs and Suns will likely decide the winner of the group next week.

San Antonio travels to Los Angeles for a game against the Lakers on Wednesday night, where both teams are playing for the second straight game.

Observations:

• The Spurs’ four-game winning streak is their longest since March 2022. San Antonio has survived that hot streak to a play-in appearance at the end of the 2021-2022 season. This year’s Spurs are fighting for the chance to return there this season.
• Zach Collins was relegated to the bench in the second half after playing just six minutes in the first half and not scoring a basket. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson opted for Charles Bassey to replace Wembanyama in the second half. Neither player was particularly effective, but Bassey provided some physicality off the bench. Bassey finished the game with 2 points and 2 rebounds in 5 minutes.
• Champagnie picked a great time to get hot from three. He hit three deep balls down the stretch to help the Spurs take the lead. The winger finished the game with 15 points and a 4-9 mark from three points.
• Spurs grabbed 13 offensive rebounds, many of them in the clutch. Long rebounds ended up in the Spurs’ hands as they outscored the Jazz 50-50 on almost every possession down the stretch. San Antonio increased its intensity at the perfect time to pull out a win in the fourth quarter.
• Sandro Mamukelashvili delivered great minutes, especially in the fourth quarter. In 12 minutes, Mamu was a perfect 4-4 from the field and scored 9 points. He has been part of some positive performances for Spurs during this winning streak and it is clear the coaching staff like what he brings to the pitch alongside Wembanyama.
• San Antonio’s defense came out on top in the fourth quarter and was instrumental in them taking the game to victory. The Jazz turned the ball over 21 times. The Spurs took advantage and scored 33 points through these giveaways. San Antonio did a good job of disrupting the Jazz’s offense most of the night with 12 steals and 4 blocks.