San Antonio Surges Ahead Without Wembanyama
The San Antonio Spurs strapped in for another test of depth and resolve without their prized rookie, Victor Wembanyama, and delivered a 135-126 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night. Led by a dynamic backcourt duo and a breakout performance from a reserve, the Spurs extended their winning streak to three games in a dominant showing that underscored the franchise’s depth this season.
Fox and Johnson Step Up in the Spotlight
De’Aaron Fox flashed the speed and late-game punch that defines his career, scoring 26 points and setting the tone with timely drives and confident buckets in transition. He was joined by Keldon Johnson, who poured in 25 points and provided a steady scoring pulse as the Spurs navigated Atlanta’s defensive pressure. The two guards combined for several crucial sequences, including fast-break finishes and difficult mid-range shots that slowed the Hawks’ momentum at multiple junctures.
Alexander-Walker’s Career Night Proves Crucial
Nickeil Alexander-Walker delivered a standout performance, finishing with a career-high 38 points. The scoring surge came in bursts, with a series of 3-pointers and smart drives to the basket that stretched Atlanta’s defense and created room for San Antonio to breathe. His execution on pick-and-rolls and off-ball movement helped compensate for misses inside the arc, giving the Spurs an additional scoring punch when the Hawks made runs of their own.
Team Contributions Fuel the Win
Beyond the headline scorers, San Antonio received balanced contributions across the roster. The Spurs shot the ball efficiently from deep and optimized ball movement to find high-percentage looks. Bench production was particularly notable, with reserves logging important minutes that maintained pace during stretches when Atlanta tried to close the gap. The team’s ability to sustain offense without Wembanyama highlighted a growing cohesiveness and a willingness to share responsibilities on a night when individual performances carried the load.
Strategic Moves and Momentum Shifts
Coach Mike Budenholzer’s squad leaned into a balanced attack, mixing pick-and-rolls with quick decision-making in transition. The Spurs executed several precision plays to counter the Hawks’ switching schemes, finding mismatches and exploiting soft zones with smart ball movement. Late in the third and into the fourth, San Antonio used strong defensive possessions to generate extra opportunities, converting them into points that kept Atlanta at arm’s length.
What This Win Means for the Spurs
With Wembanyama sidelined, San Antonio has shown resilience and a growing sense of identity. The current stretch demonstrates the franchise’s depth and adaptability, two qualities that could define their trajectory as the season unfolds. Fox, Johnson, and Alexander-Walker have become a reliable core, capable of carrying heavy workloads while the team continues to integrate young players with increasing efficiency.
Looking Ahead
San Antonio will look to build on this momentum as they chase continued success without their top rookie. The win over Atlanta serves as a proof of concept that the Spurs can compete at a high level against solid Eastern Conference competition, even when Wembanyama isn’t available. Fans should expect further improvements from a roster that is steadily rising in depth and cohesion, with Fox and Johnson anchoring the push toward stronger finishes in close games.
