Spurs extend streak without Wembanyama with 135-126 win over Hawks
The San Antonio Spurs rolled to a 135-126 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night, marking their third straight win without Victor Wembanyama. De’Aaron Fox led the charge with 26 points, while Keldon Johnson added 25 as San Antonio weathered a high-scoring, back-and-forth affair at home.
From the opening minutes, it was clear the Spurs would lean on their veteran guard play and efficient shotmaking to offset the absence of their rookie centerpiece. Fox, who logged a steady 26-point night, punctuated crucial stretches with timely baskets and assists that kept San Antonio in front as Atlanta tried to mount rallies late in each quarter.
For Johnson, the personal surge continued in Wembanyama’s absence. His 25 points came on a blend of slashes to the rim, mid-range jumpers, and 3-pointers that stretched the Hawks’ defense and opened room for teammates. Johnson’s leadership on the floor helped the Spurs maintain rhythm in a game that featured multiple runs and counterpunches from Atlanta.
In a surprising development, Nickeil Alexander-Walker delivered a career-high 38 points, providing a prolific scoring punch that the Spurs needed to counter Atlanta’s own offensive onslaught. Alexander-Walker’s performance included clutch baskets and a handful of confident threes that built and sustained momentum at key moments in the middle and late periods.
Defensively, San Antonio did enough to disrupt Atlanta’s flow without turning the game into a defensive slog. The Hawks found daylight in the paint and from the arc, but the Spurs’ urgency and ball movement created more high-percentage looks as the game progressed. Bench contributions also helped San Antonio keep a sustainable pace when the starters needed relief, a critical factor in a tightly contested contest against a dynamic Hawks squad.
The game featured multiple lead changes and a series of momentum shifts that kept fans engaged throughout. San Antonio’s ability to execute in late-clock situations — including a handful of possessions that produced clean looks and decisive finishes — proved decisive in a game that could have swung the other way in a heartbeat.
As the clock wound down, the Spurs’ depth again proved valuable. The absence of Wembanyama hasn’t dampened San Antonio’s offensive ceiling; instead, it’s spotlighted the versatility of players who have stepped up to fill the void. With Alexander-Walker proving he could be a near-stack complement to Fox and Johnson, the Spurs displayed a balanced attack that should give coach and staff confidence as the schedule rolls on.
For Atlanta, the loss stings as they aimed to gain ground in a tight early-season standings race. The Hawks showcased resilience and a variety of scoring options, but the absence of Wembanyama also highlighted the Spurs’ improved depth and cohesion. As the season progresses, both teams will build on what they learned in this high-octane matchup.
Looking ahead, San Antonio will try to capitalize on this momentum as they continue to navigate the Wembanyama-era without their rookie sensation. The combination of Fox’s scoring efficiency, Johnson’s leadership, and Alexander-Walker’s scoring burst offers a promising blueprint for the Spurs’ remaining regular-season stretch. For Atlanta, refining defensive schemes and sustaining offensive flow will be essential to maintain their trajectory in a competitive league.
