SAN ANTONIO (AP) — In a stunning turnaround, Victor Wembanyama delivered an electrifying performance, scoring 25 points while Harrison Barnes contributed 22, as the San Antonio Spurs staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Golden State Warriors 104-94 on Saturday night.
Facing a daunting 17-point deficit late in the third quarter, the Spurs rallied from a precarious position, trailing 81-64 with just 1:55 left in the period. They surged ahead, closing out the game with an impressive 40-13 scoring run, marking their first three consecutive victories since January 2021.
Wembanyama also showcased his all-around skill set, recording nine assists, seven rebounds, and three blocks, demonstrating his pivotal role in the team’s success, especially after returning from a three-game stint on the sidelines due to a bruised right knee.
Additionally, rookie Stephon Castle made significant contributions, adding 19 points to the scoreboard and executing a crucial steal from Golden State’s Stephen Curry behind the 3-point line with 1:46 left, a play that helped secure an eight-point cushion for the Spurs.
Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors with 20 points, while Curry managed to score 14 points in the losing effort. Trayce Jackson-Davis chipped in 12 points and pulled down eight rebounds, but Golden State’s bench, which had been averaging an impressive 54 points, was limited to just 36 points throughout the game.
San Antonio ignited an 11-0 scoring spree that catapulted them into a 97-90 lead, with Castle and Wembanyama accounting for all but two points during that stretch. The Warriors faced a tough offensive drought, going without a score for over 4 1/2 minutes and failing to make a field goal for over five minutes, effectively sealing their fate.
Key moment
Castle began the Spurs’ decisive closing run with a driving layup at the 4:25 mark. He then hit a stunning 3-pointer from 27 feet, followed by Wembanyama draining a 3 from an impressive 31 feet, leaving the Spurs ahead 97-90 with 2:28 remaining in the contest.
Key stat
In a remarkable display of dominance, San Antonio outscored Golden State 33-13 in the crucial final quarter of the game.
Up next
Warriors: They will look to regroup as they host the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night.
Spurs: San Antonio will travel to Utah for a matchup on Tuesday night.
How does Victor Wembanyama’s performance impact the Spurs’ prospects for the rest of the season?
**Interview with Basketball Analyst on the Spurs’ Dramatic Comeback**
**Host:** Welcome, everyone! Today we have a special guest, sports analyst Jamie Reynolds, to break down the San Antonio Spurs’ electrifying performance against the Golden State Warriors. Jamie, thanks for joining us!
**Jamie Reynolds:** Thanks for having me! What a game it was!
**Host:** Absolutely! Victor Wembanyama had a standout night, scoring 25 points. What did you think about his performance?
**Jamie Reynolds:** Wembanyama was phenomenal! His ability to score from multiple positions on the court was impressive. He not only led the scoring but also showcased his versatility with nine assists and seven rebounds. He truly looked like a franchise player stepping up when it mattered most.
**Host:** The Spurs were facing a 17-point deficit late in the third quarter. What changed for them to turn the game around?
**Jamie Reynolds:** The turning point really came in that last stretch of the third quarter. San Antonio’s defense tightened up significantly, and they started to push the pace. The energy shifted as they capitalized on turnovers and took advantage of fast-break opportunities. Scoring 40 points to the Warriors’ 13 in that closing stretch is a testament to their tenacity and determination.
**Host:** Harrison Barnes also played a crucial role with 22 points. How did his contributions help the Spurs in this comeback?
**Jamie Reynolds:** Barnes was essential in providing a scoring boost alongside Wembanyama. His experience and ability to hit key shots calmed the team during the comeback. He facilitated spacing on the floor, allowing Wembanyama more room to operate and drawing defenders away. Their chemistry on the court is definitely something the Spurs can build on moving forward.
**Host:** With this win, the Spurs achieved their first three consecutive victories since January 2021. What does this mean for the team’s confidence going forward?
**Jamie Reynolds:** This is a huge confidence booster for the Spurs. Winning three in a row underscores their growth as a team, especially considering the challenges they’ve faced in recent seasons. Building momentum like this is critical not just for individual players like Wembanyama but for the team as a whole. It sets a positive tone moving into the next games of the season.
**Host:** Great insights, Jamie! As we look ahead, what should we keep an eye on for the Spurs?
**Jamie Reynolds:** Keep an eye on their defensive consistency and how Wembanyama continues to develop as a leader on the court. If they can maintain this energy and defensive intensity, they could surprise a lot of people this season.
**Host:** Thanks for your expertise, Jamie! It’s exciting to see how the Spurs are evolving this season.
**Jamie Reynolds:** My pleasure! Looking forward to seeing how they perform next!
**Host:** And that wraps up our analysis of the Spurs’ thrilling comeback. Thanks for tuning in!