Spurs defeat Pistons in a possible NBA Finals matchup
DETROIT — Victor Wembanyama recorded 21 points, 17 rebounds, and six blocks, while Devin Vassell added 28 points as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Detroit Pistons 114-103 in what could be a preview of the NBA Finals on Monday night.
The Spurs have achieved a season-high nine consecutive victories and are currently second in the Western Conference, trailing only the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Pistons, who lead the Eastern Conference and had a five-game winning streak, will face Oklahoma City on Wednesday night in another significant matchup.
Detroit’s star player Cade Cunningham faced difficulties, hitting only 5 of 26 shots and finishing with 16 points and 10 assists.
In the first game of a five-game road trip, San Antonio surged to a 14-2 advantage and maintained the lead for a majority of the contest. Upon their return home, they will host the Pistons again on March 5.
Detroit managed to take a three-point lead after the first quarter, but the Spurs regained control by hitting 3-pointers, while Wembanyama, their 7-foot-4 center, consistently blocked and altered shots throughout the game.
San Antonio opened the fourth quarter with the first seven points, establishing a double-digit lead that they maintained comfortably.
This win marked the Spurs’ fifth against the team with the best record in the NBA at the time (four against the Thunder and one against the Pistons). This is the highest number in a season by any team since the 1992-93 Knicks (minimum 10 games into the season), as noted by ESPN Research.
Jalen Duren contributed 25 points and 14 rebounds for Detroit, playing in his second game after serving a two-game suspension from the NBA. Isaiah Stewart is still under suspension due to an altercation during a game in Charlotte earlier this month.
Tempers escalated in the second quarter when Cunningham was assessed an offensive foul for extending his arms and knocking down Spurs guard Stephon Castle. San Antonio forward Keldon Johnson reacted by pushing Cunningham, prompting Duren to point his finger at Johnson’s face.
Following a review, both Johnson and Duren received technical fouls.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
