By Jeff McDonald, Staff Writer | San Antonio Express-News (SAEN), 2024-11-05 04:35:13
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。
2024年11月4日，加利福尼亚州英格尔伍德：在英格尔伍德Intuit Dome球馆进行的上半场比赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的1号球员维克托·文班亚马(Victor Wembanyama)和洛杉矶快船队的1号球员詹姆斯·哈登(James Harden)正在争抢一个球。
洛杉矶——格雷格·波波维奇(Gregg Popovich)无需告诉米奇·约翰逊(Mitch Johnson)会有这样的日子。
约翰逊早已心知肚明。
这位马刺队助理教练，连续第二场顶替他抱恙的名人堂主帅，眼看着他的球队在周一与洛杉矶快船队的比赛中首节就取得了26分的领先优势。
当快船队最终咆哮着反扑时，他并不感到惊讶。
“比赛很漫长，”约翰逊说。“我们不认为我们能一直保持这样的状态，也不认为他们会一直保持那样的状态。”
约翰逊的预言对马刺来说应验了，快船队以113-104的比分逆转取胜。这是快船队在这座耗资20亿美元的全新球馆——Intuit Dome球馆取得的首场胜利，此前他们主场0胜4负。
诺曼·鲍威尔(Norman Powell)得到24分，詹姆斯·哈登得到17分，是下半场逆转的关键。快船队魁梧的中锋伊维察·祖巴茨(Ivica Zubac)得到17分和13个篮板。
马刺队得到了维克托·文班亚马(Victor Wembanyama)的怪兽级数据，尽管他摆脱了糟糕的投篮之夜，却与三双擦肩而过。他最终得到24分、13个篮板和9次盖帽。
朱利安·尚帕尼(Julian Champagnie)为马刺队贡献了21分和5个三分球，马刺队在第一节后以40-14领先。快船队逐渐缩小分差，最终在第四节凭借一波包括连续四个三分球的得分高潮反超比分。
阿米尔·科菲(Amir Coffey)和鲍威尔背靠背的三分球让洛杉矶以93-91领先，这是他们在比赛中的首次领先，此时比赛还剩7分25秒。快船队此后再也没有落后。马刺队输球后战绩变为3胜4负，而快船队则提升至3胜4负。
以下是周一在Intuit Dome球馆失利的三点总结：
- 马刺队最好忘记这场比赛
大约一年前，马刺队也曾有机会像周一那样取得赛季初的三连胜。他们在去年11月5日对阵多伦多的比赛中上半场取得了22分的领先优势，看起来很有希望做到这一点。
但马刺队最终挥霍了领先优势，并在加时赛中以116-123输给了猛龙队。
那场失利的影响并没有迅速消散。这是马刺队连续18场失利的开始，创下了球队历史上最长的连败纪录。
如果说马刺队能从周一的比赛中学到什么教训的话，那就是：不要让输给快船队的比赛再打击他们17次。
周三还有一场在休斯顿对阵火箭队的比赛，马刺队对火箭队非常熟悉，本赛季已经和他们交手过三次，包括一场季前赛。
马刺队在弗罗斯特银行中心与火箭队进行了两场常规赛，双方各胜一场。现在，开启新的连胜之路要经过休斯顿。
- 马刺队在下半场错过了索汉(Jeremy Sochan)的防守
防守悍将杰里米·索汉(Jeremy Sochan)在上半场遭遇拇指伤病，下半场没有上场。
他在球场上的防守缺失显而易见。
快船队在下半场的反击之路上几乎可以随心所欲地得分。洛杉矶在下半场投篮命中率为54.4%，三分球命中率高达61.9%（21投13中）。
哈登和鲍威尔轮番消耗着马刺队，下半场两人合砍28分。如果索汉在场，他对防守这两人中的任何一个都会很有用。
由于索汉无法上场，约翰逊在下半场让斯蒂芬·卡斯尔(Stephon Castle)首发。如果索汉在休斯顿的比赛中继续缺阵，看看卡斯尔是否会继续留在首发阵容中将会很有趣。
2024年11月4日，星期一，在加利福尼亚州英格尔伍德举行的NBA篮球比赛上半场，洛杉矶快船队后卫诺曼·鲍威尔(右)投篮，圣安东尼奥马刺队中锋维克托·文班亚马防守。(美联社照片/Mark J. Terrill)
- 除了投篮，文班其他方面都做得很好
文班亚马的第二个NBA赛季的投篮开局并不理想。他在周一比赛前的投篮命中率为42.6%，三分球命中率为22%。
在豪华的Intuit Dome球馆内，他也没有找到自己的投篮感觉。文班亚马对阵快船队22投仅9中。三分球9投仅2中。
这是他在准三双之夜的唯一瑕疵，但也是一个明显的瑕疵。文班亚马在篮下的表现更容易一些，两分球13投7中。
“文班拥有如此多的技能，”约翰逊说。“对于一个像他这样有天赋的年轻球员来说，把所有技能都融合在一起有时是很困难的。我认为他会继续做得很好，我相信随着经验的积累，他会变得更好。”
有一点似乎是肯定的：文班亚马不打算放弃三分球，即使他现在大部分投篮都是“打铁”。
当被问及远距离投篮不中时的想法时，文班亚马很明确。
“我只是在打我的比赛，”文班说道，“我的比赛也包括投三分。”
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Chris Paul #3 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during a 113-104 loss to the against the LA Clippers at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Derrick Jones Jr. #55 of the LA Clippers grabs a rebound in front of Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs during a 113-104 Clippers win at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Amir Coffey #7 of the LA Clippers celebrates his three pointer behind Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs during a 113-104 Clippers win at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers scores over Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during a 113-104 Clippers win at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac, below, shoots as San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac, left, and San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama reach for a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann, right, shoots as San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, top, defends and center Ivica Zubac watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham, right, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson, right, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers forward Kai Jones defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham, left, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers forward Kai Jones defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, right, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers guard Kevin Porter Jr. defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan, right, drives past Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, right, drives against Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell, right, drives past San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac, left, dunks as San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac, left, celebrates his dunk as San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson, left, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, top, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Clippers guard Amir Coffey, left, dunks as San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama watches during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers attempts a shot as he is defended by Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during a 113-104 loss to the LA Clippers at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers reacts as he changes his shot in front of Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs with Ivica Zubac #40 during the first half at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers attempts a shot in front of Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Kris Dunn #8 of the LA Clippers shoots off balance on Julian Champagnie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers backs in on Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers has his shot blocked by Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers passes as around a double team from Jeremy Sochan #10 and Zach Collins #23 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs attempts a shot in front of Ivica Zubac #40 and Kris Dunn #8 of the LA Clippers during a 113-104 Clippers win at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after a foul from Nicolas Batum #33 of the LA Clippers during a 113-104 Clippers win at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after fouling Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers on his dunk during a 113-104 Clippers win at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs attempts a shot in front of Derrick Jones Jr. #55 of the LA Clippers during a 113-104 Clippers win at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
点击查看原文：3 takeaways as Spurs lose despite Wembanyama's near triple-double
3 takeaways as Spurs lose despite Wembanyama’s near triple-double
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs and James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers chase after a ball during the first half at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
LOS ANGELES – Gregg Popovich did not have to tell Mitch Johnson there would be days like this.
Johnson already knew.
The Spurs assistant coach, filling in for the second game in a row for his ailing Hall of Fame boss, watched his team amass a 26-point lead in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday.
He was not shocked when the Clippers eventually came roaring back.
“It’s a long game,” Johnson said. “We didn’t think we were going to keep that up and that they were going to keep that up.”
Johnson proved prophetic for the Spurs, as the Clippers rallied for a 113-104 victory. It was L.A.’s first win at the Intuit Dome, the club’s brand new $2 billion palace, after an 0-4 home start.
Norman Powell had 24 points and James Harden scored 17 to key the second-half comeback. Ivica Zubac, the Clippers’ hulking center, added 17 points and 13 rebounds.
The Spurs got a monster stat line from Victor Wembanyama, who shrugged off a poor shooting night to play footsie with a triple-double. He finished with 24 points, 13 rebounds and nine blocks.
Julian Champagnie added 21 points and five 3-pointers for the Spurs, who led 40-14 after the first quarter. The Clippers chipped away and eventually took the lead with a fourth-quarter flurry that included four consecutive made 3-pointers.
Back-to-back treys from Amir Coffey and Powell gave Los Angeles a 93-91 lead, its first of the game, with 7:25 to go. The Clippers never trailed again. The Spurs dropped to 3-4 with the loss, while the Clippers improved to 3-4.
Here are three takeaways from Monday’s defeat at the Inuit Dome:
1. The Spurs would be wise to let this one go
A year ago, almost to the day, the Spurs had a chance to put together an early-season three-game winning streak just like they did on Monday. They seemed well on their way to doing just that, grabbing a 22-point first-half lead over Toronto last Nov. 5.
The Spurs blew that lead and the game, falling 123-116 to the Raptors in overtime.
The hangover from that defeat did not quickly go away. It was the first in a string of 18 consecutive losses that set a franchise record for futility.
The lesson the Spurs can take from Monday, if there is one? Don’t let the loss to the Clippers beat them 17 more times.
There is another game coming Wednesday at Houston, against a Rockets team the Spurs are uber familiar with having played them three times already this season, including one preseason contest.
The Spurs split a pair of regular-season games with the Rockets at the Frost Bank Center. Now the path to starting a new winning streak runs through Houston.
2. Spurs missed Sochan’s D in the second half
Defensive ace Jeremy Sochan suffered some sort of thumb injury in the first half and did not play in the second.
His absence on the ball was missed.
The Clippers had little trouble getting what they wanted on their way to a comeback. Los Angeles shot 54.4% from the field in the second half, including 61.9% from 3-point range (13 of 21).
Harden and Powell took turns wearing the Spurs’ out, combining for 28 points after halftime. Sochan would have been useful on one or the other.
With Sochan unavailable, Johnson started Stephon Castle in the second half. It will be interesting to see if Castle remains in the starting five should Sochan stay sidelined in Houston.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell, right, shoots as San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
3. Wemby did everything well but shoot
Wembanyama is not off to a great shooting start to his second NBA season. He was shooting 42.6% coming into Monday, including 22% from 3-point range.
He did not find his stroke inside the the posh expanse of the Intuit Dome. Wembanyama made only 9 of 22 shots against the Clippers. He made only 2 of 9 from beyond the arc.
It was the only blemish on a near triple-double night, but it was a glaring one. Wembanyama had an easier time around the basket, making 7 of 13 from 2-point range.
“Victor has so much skill,” Johnson said. “Putting it all together is difficult at times for a young player of his caliber. I think he’ll continue to do a good job and I’m sure he’ll be better with more seasoning.”
This much seems certain: Wembanyama has no plans to remove the 3-ball from his arsenal, even if for now he is mostly firing blanks.
Asked to explain his mind set when long distance shots don’t fall, Wembanyama was clear.
“It’s just to play my game,” Wembanyama said, “and my game involves shooting 3s too.”
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Chris Paul #3 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during a 113-104 loss to the against the LA Clippers at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Derrick Jones Jr. #55 of the LA Clippers grabs a rebound in front of Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs during a 113-104 Clippers win at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Amir Coffey #7 of the LA Clippers celebrates his three pointer behind Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs during a 113-104 Clippers win at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers scores over Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during a 113-104 Clippers win at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac, below, shoots as San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac, left, and San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama reach for a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann, right, shoots as San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, top, defends and center Ivica Zubac watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham, right, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson, right, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers forward Kai Jones defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham, left, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers forward Kai Jones defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, right, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers guard Kevin Porter Jr. defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan, right, drives past Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, right, drives against Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell, right, drives past San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac, left, dunks as San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac, left, celebrates his dunk as San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson, left, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, top, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Clippers guard Amir Coffey, left, dunks as San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama watches during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers attempts a shot as he is defended by Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during a 113-104 loss to the LA Clippers at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers reacts as he changes his shot in front of Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs with Ivica Zubac #40 during the first half at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers attempts a shot in front of Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Kris Dunn #8 of the LA Clippers shoots off balance on Julian Champagnie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers backs in on Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers has his shot blocked by Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers passes as around a double team from Jeremy Sochan #10 and Zach Collins #23 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs attempts a shot in front of Ivica Zubac #40 and Kris Dunn #8 of the LA Clippers during a 113-104 Clippers win at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after a foul from Nicolas Batum #33 of the LA Clippers during a 113-104 Clippers win at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after fouling Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers on his dunk during a 113-104 Clippers win at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs attempts a shot in front of Derrick Jones Jr. #55 of the LA Clippers during a 113-104 Clippers win at Intuit Dome on November 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
By Jeff McDonald, Staff Writer, via San Antonio Express-News