By Tom Orsborn, Staff writer | San Antonio Express-News (SAEN), 2024-11-01 00:29:25
由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
圣安东尼奥马刺队中锋维克多·文班亚马(Victor Wembanyama)在2024年10月31日星期四于盐湖城举行的NBA篮球比赛下半场从犹他爵士队前锋约翰·科林斯(John Collins)手中抢下篮板球。（美联社照片/里克·伊根）
盐湖城——在经历了职业生涯最低得分的一场比赛后，维克多·文班亚马(Victor Wembanyama)强势回归。
在周四晚上的比赛中，文班亚马打出了一场精彩的反弹之战，砍下了职业生涯第二个5x5的数据：25分、9个篮板、7次助攻、5次盖帽和5次抢断，带领马刺以106-88战胜了犹他爵士队。
文班亚马的前四次出手均来自三分线外。他命中了两球，最终三分球13投4中，创下了个人三分出手次数的新高。
“与其说是个人行为，不如说是希望我们的进攻能够有所进步，”文班亚马说道。“篮球是一项我们必须去玩、去享受的游戏，这需要我们充满侵略性，保持良好的空间感，并且毫不犹豫地出手。”
在周三输给俄克拉荷马城的比赛中，文班亚马仅得到6分，出手次数也是职业生涯新低的5次。而他对这场罕见的低迷表现的回应，则是一场全面的出色表现，这也让他跻身了一些罕见的行列。
NBA历史上只有两位球员拥有多次5x5的比赛：名人堂成员哈基姆·奥拉朱旺(Hakeem Olajuwon)（1238场比赛中6次）和安德烈·基里连科(Andrei Kirilenko)（797场比赛中3次）。
文班亚马仅在76场比赛中就获得了2次。而且他渴望更多。
“这告诉我，当我没有拿到5x5的数据时，我需要提高自己的标准，因为我能够在所有这些方面帮助我的球队，”他说。“这应该是一件持续的事情。正如我之前所说，这是我们必须拥有的，我必须更经常地做到这一点，才能在所有这些领域帮助我的球队。”
马刺队（2-3）在第一节结束后以19-30落后，半场结束时以47-53落后，但在第三节以30-14的比分占据统治地位，并在最后一节以29-21的比分赢得了比赛。
科林·塞克斯顿(Collin Sexton)的16分领跑爵士队，爵士队战绩跌至0胜5负。犹他队缺少了全明星前锋劳里·马尔卡宁(Lauri Markkanen)（背部痉挛）。
以下是本赛季马刺和爵士四次交锋中的第一场的三个要点：
- 文班亚马就是文班亚马
这位身高7英尺3英寸的中锋以2001年日本动画奇幻电影《千与千寻》中的无脸男的装扮来到三角洲中心，以此庆祝万圣节。
在电影中，无脸男代表了拥抱真实自我的挣扎。
这似乎是文班用他的三分球所接纳的一个信息。尽管他在进入比赛前三分球21投仅4中（19%），但他毫不犹豫地对着爵士队投篮。
“为了能够投进这些球，你必须先出手，”文班亚马说。“今天我的空位如此之多，如果我投进的球比实际多得多，我也不会感到惊讶。”
马刺队主教练格雷格·波波维奇(Gregg Popovich)说，他“绝对”希望文班亚马在外线出手。
“他更像是一个外线球员，而不是一个内线球员，”波波维奇说。“我们希望他能够做到一切，单打、投篮，无所不能。我们只是不能一下子就做到这一切。这取决于当时的情况。”
- 马刺正在打造防守特色
在整个休赛期和训练营中强调需要改进防守之后，马刺队正朝着在球场防守端建立一支强硬球队的方向稳步前进。
周四，他们迫使对手出现25次失误，这是自2015年11月23日对阵菲尼克斯太阳队迫使对手出现28次失误以来，马刺队单场迫使对手失误最多的一次。
“我们还没有准备好成为一支防守排名前五的球队，但这绝对是我们的重点，而且我们整个赛季都打出了不错的防守，”波波维奇说。“我们延续了去年的势头。他们的理解能力以及对防守的享受给我留下了深刻的印象。”
OH MY! pic.twitter.com/uRHBELbaUl
— San Antonio Spurs (@ spurs) November 1, 2024
在将爵士队的第三节得分限制在14分的同时，马刺队完成了9次抢断。他们全场抢断次数达到17次，进一步证明了他们本赛季致力于打造令人窒息的防守。
“这对我们来说是必须的，为了我们的球队风格，而且我们有机会做到这一点，因为有像杰里米·索汉(Jeremy Sochan)和凯尔登·约翰逊(Keldon Johnson)这样的球员，他们可以用非常高的能量给持球人施加压力，”文班亚马说。“当然，我也在努力做好我的角色。这应该是我们进入比赛的首要关注点。”
- 保罗出色地完成了终结比赛的任务
文班亚马凭借他的5x5数据登上了头条，但真正帮助马刺队锁定胜局的是克里斯·保罗(Chris Paul)。
这位39岁的老将控球后卫在下半场9投6中得到19分中的14分，其中三分球4投2中。他还送出了10次助攻，这是他作为马刺球员的第一次两双。
2024年10月31日，犹他州盐湖城：在2024年10月31日于盐湖城三角洲中心举行的对阵犹他爵士队的比赛上半场，圣安东尼奥马刺队的维克多·文班亚马(Victor Wembanyama)（1号）与克里斯·保罗(Chris Paul)（3号）交谈。
“他真的把比赛掌握在了自己手中，并且取得了成功，”文班亚马说。“而且他这样做并非随意而为。他看到了他们在上半场试图做什么，他实际上预判了他们的调整，这样我们就可以从一开始就击败他们。我认为他明白在那一刻我们需要他得分，他也做到了。”
保罗说：“我打过不少比赛了。我只是告诉（文班亚马），‘也让我来帮帮你。’他肩负着很多期望。”
Utah Jazz forward Brice Sensabaugh (28) goes for a loose ball along with San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (10), during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah’s Walker Kessler attempts to defend San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama on Thursday night, Oct. 31, 2024. Wembanyama finished with 25 points to lead the Spurs to a 106-88 win. (AP Foto/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan, top, collides with Utah Jazz forward Brice Sensabaugh, bottom, as he goes for a loose ball, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan, left, goes for the ball along with Utah Jazz forward Brice Sensabaugh, bottom, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) takes the ball inside, as San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) and San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) dunks the ball, as San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama defends, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) guards Utah Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski (22), as San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) guards Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24), during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson, middle, takes the ball inside, as Utah Jazz guards Johnny Juzang (33) and Collin Sexton (2) defend during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton blocks a pass by San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) brings the ball up court, as Utah Jazz guard Johnny Juzang, left, defends, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich reacts after a call by the official, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) goes up for a shot, as Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) defends, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs guard Tre Jones (22) grabs the ball from Utah Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski (22) as San Antonio Spurs forward Sandro Mamukelashvili, left, defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs forward Zach Collins (23) brings the ball up court as Utah Jazz guard Johnny Juzang (33) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul has a word with Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) stops San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) from scoring during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton warms up before an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) passes the ball outside as San Antonio Spurs forward Zach Collins (23) defends, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski (22) breaks for the basket as San Antonio Spurs forward Zach Collins (23) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (22) is guarded by Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2), during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) guards San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (22), during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan, left, shoots next to Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Kyle Filipowski #22 of the Utah Jazz celebrates a three point play during the first half of a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Collin Sexton #2 of the Utah Jazz drives into Julian Champagnie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of a game at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Julian Champagnie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs looks to pass around Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of a game at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates a basket during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Julian Champagnie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs drives past Cody Williams #5 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of a game at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots over Johnny Juzang #33 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of a game at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs attempts a shot over Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of a game at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Sandro Mamukelashvili #54 and Julian Champagnie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs fight for the ball with Kyle Filipowski #22 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of a game at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots over Johnny Juzang #33 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of a game at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs yells to his team during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts to a play during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazzat Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz looks on before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on before a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Collin Sexton #2 of the Utah Jazz drives past Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of a game at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Drew Eubanks #15 of the Utah Jazz shoots over Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of a game at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Kyle Filipowski #22 of the Utah Jazz drives into Zach Collins #23 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of a game at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
点击查看原文：3 takeaways as Wembanyama bounces back in Spurs win
3 takeaways as Wembanyama bounces back in Spurs win
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) grabs a rebound from Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
SALT LAKE CITY — After recording the lowest scoring game of his career, Victor Wembanyama came out firing.
In a strong bounce-back outing, Wembanyama notched his second career 5x5 game, recording 25 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, five blocks and five steals to lead the Spurs to a 106-88 win over the Utah Jazz on Thursday night.
Wembanyama’s first four shots were from 3-point range. He hit two on his way to finishing 4 for 13 from deep to set a personal high for attempts from beyond the arc.
“It’s less than an individual thing than wanting to get our offense to progress,” Wembanyama said. “Basketball is a game we have to play, to have fun, and that comes with being aggressive and having good spacing and not hesitating.”
Wembanyama scored just six points and took a career-low five shots in Wednesday’s loss at Oklahoma City. His response to that rare stinker was a stellar all-around outing that put him in some rare company.
Only two other players in NBA history have multiple 5x5 games: Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon (six in 1,238 games) and Andrei Kirilenko (three in 797 games).
Wembanyama has a pair in just 76 outings. And he’s eager for more.
“It tells me I need to get my standards up when I don’t get five by fives because I am able to help my team in all those areas,” he said. “It should be a consistent thing. As I have said before, it is something we must have, something I must have more often to be able to help my team in all those areas.”
The Spurs (2-3) trailed 30-19 after the first quarter and were down 53-47 at the half before dominating the third quarter 30-14 and winning the final frame 29-21.
Collin Sexton’s 16 points paced the Jazz, who fell to 0-5. Utah was without All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen (back spasms).
Here are three takeaways from the first of four meetings between the Spurs and the Jazz this season:
1. Wembanyama is going to do Wembanyama
The 7-foot-3 center celebrated Halloween by arriving at the Delta Center disguised as No-Face from “Spirited Away”, a 2001 Japanese animated fantasy film.
In the movie, No-Face represents the struggle to embrace one’s true nature.
It’s a message Wemby seems to have embraced with his 3-point shooting. Even though he entered the game shooting just 4 for 21 (19%) from distance, he didn’t hesitate to let them fly against the Jazz.
“To be able to make those shots, you have to take them first,” Wembanyama said. “How open I was today, I wouldn’t be surprised if I make way more than I did.”
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said he “absolutely” wants Wembanyama to fire away from deep.
“He is more of a perimeter player than he is a post player,” Popovich said. “We want him to be able to do everything, isolate, shoot, do the whole deal. We just can’t do it all at once. It depends on the situation and what is going on.”
2. Spurs forging a defensive identity
After emphasizing the need for defensive improvement throughout the offseason and training camp, the Spurs are well on their way to establishing themselves as tough team on that end of the court.
On Thursday, they forced 25 turnovers, the most by a Spurs team since forcing 28 against Phoenix on Nov. 23, 2015.
“We’re not ready to be a top five defensive team by any stretch of the imagination, but we know that is the focus and we have played good defense throughout the season,” Popovich said. “We picked up where we left off from last year. I am really impressed with their understanding and enjoying what the defense can do for them.”
OH MY! pic.twitter.com/uRHBELbaUl
— San Antonio Spurs (@ spurs) November 1, 2024
In holding the Jazz to just 14 points in the third quarter, the Spurs recorded nine steals. They finished with 17, further proof that they are committed to employing a smothering defense this season.
“It’s a must have for us, for our profile, and we have the opportunity to do it, with guys like Jeremy (Sochan) and Keldon (Johnson), who can put pressure on the ball with a very high motor,” Wembanyama said. “And, of course, I am trying top do my role, too. It should be our first focus coming into a game.”
3. Paul excelled as the closer
Wembanyama garnered the headlines with his 5x5 game, but it was Chris Paul who pushed the Spurs over the top for the win.
The 39-year-old point guard scored 14 of his 19 points in the second half on 6-for-9 shooting, including 2 for 4 from distance. He also finished with 10 assists for his first double-double as a Spur.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Victor Wembanyama #1 speaks to Chris Paul #3 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
“He really took the game into his hands, and it paid off,” Wembanyama said. “And he didn’t do that randomly. He saw what they were trying to do in the first half, and he actually anticipated their adjustments so we could finish them from the jump. I think he understood that in this moment we needed him to score points, and he did.”
Said Paul, “I done played a few games. I just told (Wembanyama), 'Let me help you, too. There is a lot asked of him.”
Utah Jazz forward Brice Sensabaugh (28) goes for a loose ball along with San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (10), during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah’s Walker Kessler attempts to defend San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama on Thursday night, Oct. 31, 2024. Wembanyama finished with 25 points to lead the Spurs to a 106-88 win. (AP Foto/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan, top, collides with Utah Jazz forward Brice Sensabaugh, bottom, as he goes for a loose ball, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan, left, goes for the ball along with Utah Jazz forward Brice Sensabaugh, bottom, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) takes the ball inside, as San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) and San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) dunks the ball, as San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama defends, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) guards Utah Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski (22), as San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) guards Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24), during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson, middle, takes the ball inside, as Utah Jazz guards Johnny Juzang (33) and Collin Sexton (2) defend during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton blocks a pass by San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) brings the ball up court, as Utah Jazz guard Johnny Juzang, left, defends, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich reacts after a call by the official, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) goes up for a shot, as Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) defends, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs guard Tre Jones (22) grabs the ball from Utah Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski (22) as San Antonio Spurs forward Sandro Mamukelashvili, left, defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs forward Zach Collins (23) brings the ball up court as Utah Jazz guard Johnny Juzang (33) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul has a word with Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) stops San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) from scoring during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton warms up before an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) passes the ball outside as San Antonio Spurs forward Zach Collins (23) defends, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski (22) breaks for the basket as San Antonio Spurs forward Zach Collins (23) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (22) is guarded by Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2), during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) guards San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (22), during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan, left, shoots next to Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Kyle Filipowski #22 of the Utah Jazz celebrates a three point play during the first half of a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Collin Sexton #2 of the Utah Jazz drives into Julian Champagnie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of a game at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Julian Champagnie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs looks to pass around Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of a game at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates a basket during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Julian Champagnie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs drives past Cody Williams #5 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of a game at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots over Johnny Juzang #33 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of a game at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs attempts a shot over Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of a game at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Sandro Mamukelashvili #54 and Julian Champagnie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs fight for the ball with Kyle Filipowski #22 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of a game at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots over Johnny Juzang #33 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of a game at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs yells to his team during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts to a play during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazzat Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz looks on before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on before a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Collin Sexton #2 of the Utah Jazz drives past Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of a game at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Drew Eubanks #15 of the Utah Jazz shoots over Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of a game at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 31: Kyle Filipowski #22 of the Utah Jazz drives into Zach Collins #23 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of a game at Delta Center on October 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
By Tom Orsborn, Staff writer, via San Antonio Express-News
