By Jeff McDonald, Staff Writer | San Antonio Express-News (SAEN), 2024-11-11 23:49:29
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11日星期一，在德克萨斯州圣安东尼奥的弗罗斯特银行中心，圣安东尼奥马刺队中锋维克托·文班亚马(Victor Wembanyama)在上半场对阵萨克拉门托国王队的比赛中对马刺队的三分球做出反应。马刺以116-96击败国王。
俗话说，在亚洲打陆战是愚蠢的。
在NBA，这句格言的版本可能是在第四节与萨克拉门托国王队交手。
周一晚，面对联盟著名的关键时刻杀手，马刺队认为避免比赛进入白热化的最好方法就是保持两位数的领先优势。
干净利落，毫不费力。
马刺队做到了这一点，甚至做得更好，在弗罗斯特银行中心以116-96轻松战胜了国王队。
维克托·文班亚马(Victor Wembanyama)砍下赛季最高的34分，外加14个篮板和3个盖帽，而克里斯·保罗(Chris Paul)则贡献了12分11助攻的两双数据，帮助马刺队在三个主场比赛中取得了两场胜利。
接下来他们将在周三迎战2胜7负的华盛顿队。
萨克拉门托有三名球员得分超过20分——德阿隆·福克斯(De’Aaron Fox) 24分，多曼塔斯·萨博尼斯(Domantas Sabonis) 23分11个篮板，以及德玛尔·德罗赞(DeMar DeRozan) 21分。
“你知道，那支球队对这个赛季有着自己的抱负和期望，”保罗说。“我们必须以必胜的心态进入每一场比赛，而我们正在开始建立这种心态。”
国王队在周一比赛前有很多理由感到疲惫，他们在前一天晚上打了一场加时赛，而且还要跨越一个时区到西部的菲尼克斯。
尽管如此，还是要称赞马刺队充分利用了他们的休息优势。
国王队希望，如果他们能把比赛拖到第四节，他们的一位或两位关键先生或许能带领他们取得胜利。德罗赞和福克斯长期以来一直位列联盟第四节得分榜前列。
马刺队没有让国王队有机会接近到足以影响比赛的程度。
在最后一节开始前，马刺队以84-71领先，文班亚马投进一记三分球率先得分，桑德罗·马穆克拉什维利(Sandro Mamukelashvili)又命中两记三分，德文·瓦塞尔(Devin Vassell)和凯尔登·约翰逊(Keldon Johnson)也各自贡献了远投，马刺队在接下来的比赛中始终保持着对国王队的压制。
以下是马刺队周一这场稳健胜利的三点总结：
- 文班的投篮图无可挑剔
文班亚马赛季初三分球的挣扎在公共领域被广泛讨论，但在马刺队的更衣室里却只字未提。
现在他似乎重新找回了远投的感觉，这让他比赛的其他方面看起来都更好了。
周一，文班亚马连续第二场比赛投进6记三分球。他对阵国王队时12投6中，即使有一两个出手的时机并不理想。
“我肯定有所改变的是，我没有减少三分出手——我投出了更好的三分，”文班亚马说。“感觉好多了。我才20岁，所以我希望在未来很多年里，这种感觉会越来越好。”
2024年11月11日星期一，在德克萨斯州圣安东尼奥的弗罗斯特银行中心，萨克拉门托国王队前锋多曼塔斯·萨博尼斯(Domantas Sabonis)在上半场防守圣安东尼奥马刺队中锋维克托·文班亚马(Victor Wembanyama)。马刺以116-96击败国王。
在过去两场比赛中，文班亚马三分球21投12中，他的三分命中率从22%提升到了31%——虽然还算不上火热，但至少呈上升趋势。
“他每天都在投篮，”代理教练米奇·约翰逊(Mitch Johnson)说。“他在赛季初投丢了一些很好的机会，我理解为什么这是一个讨论话题，但我认为我们从未对他能否投进球产生过动摇。我认为这只是百分比最终会回归正常而已。”
- “下一回合”的心态对卡斯尔很有帮助
新秀斯蒂芬·卡斯尔(Stephon Castle)对阵萨克拉门托的比赛开局并不顺利。他在第一节出现了两次失误，前三次出手投丢了两次，并且偶尔会被福克斯突破。
接下来发生的事情是马刺队对这位20岁的卡斯尔赞不绝口的原因之一。
尽管开局不稳，但他表现得很好。
卡斯尔完成了他的第四场NBA首发，最终得到10分、6次助攻、1次抢断和1次盖帽。他控制住了失误，最终只有三次。
“他的举止确实显得比他的年龄更成熟，”约翰逊说。
卡斯尔能够从错误中走出来的能力——以及马刺队允许他这样做的意愿——为他创造了一些改变比赛走向的可能。
在第二节快结束时，卡斯尔以最慢的方式完成了一次快攻上篮，减慢速度让防守者从他身边飞奔而过。
在萨克拉门托的下一个回合中，卡斯尔干扰了福克斯的跳投，并在另一端完成了自己的得分。
这一连串的表现帮助马刺队在上半场结束前从落后两分到领先五分。
赛后，马刺队的队友们对卡斯尔的标志性动作表示惊叹。
马努·吉诺比利(Manu Ginobili)有欧洲步。卡斯尔正在 developing “slow step”（发展“慢步”）。
“我认为他已经拥有了队内最好的慢步，”朱利安·尚帕尼(Julian Champagnie)说。“我认为他可能拥有整个（脏话）联盟最好的慢步。”
- 经过进一步审查，让保罗做决定
将录像回放添加到克里斯·保罗的NBA技能清单中。
保罗在周一的比赛中申请了两次回放，都成功了。
2024年11月11日星期一，在德克萨斯州圣安东尼奥的弗罗斯特银行中心，圣安东尼奥马刺队后卫克里斯·保罗(Chris Paul)和萨克拉门托国王队前锋德玛尔·德罗赞(DeMar DeRozan)在下半场开玩笑。马刺以116-96击败国王。
第一次是在第二节，保罗在福克斯的一次突破中把球断了下来。裁判最初判保罗犯规，这导致这位控球后卫强烈要求约翰逊挑战判罚。
“那次抢断，我都让自己感到惊讶了，”保罗说。“我没想到会听到犯规的哨声。这就是为什么我表现得如此激动。我当时想，‘我觉得我断得很干净。’”
保罗是对的，录像也证实了这一点。
在第四节的后期，保罗再次敦促约翰逊挑战一个最初将球权判给国王队的出界球判罚。回放清楚地显示球是从萨博尼斯身上弹出去的，判罚被推翻了。
约翰逊表示，他以后会毫不犹豫地遵从保罗在录像回放方面的第六感。
“他做这行的时间比我长得多，”约翰逊说。
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) goes up for a shot during the first half against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) and center Victor Wembanyama (1) talk while walking to the bench for a timeout during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson talks to his team during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) guards Sacramento Kings forward Doug McDermott (7) during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) shoots over San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (0) pulls down the rebound over Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (0) guards Sacramento Kings forward Trey Lyles (41) during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (0) reacts as San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) nets an “and-one” in the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
Sacramento Kings forward Doug McDermott (7) and forward Trey Lyles (41) double-team San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts as the Spurs bench cheers him on during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson talk to his team during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) wins a jump ball over Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) blocks Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) from the net during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) recovers a loose ball in front of Sacramento Kings forward Trey Lyles (41) during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) dunks on the San Antonio Spurs after a quick pass from Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10), not pictured, during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) reacts after hitting back-to-back threes in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) chest bumps San Antonio Spurs forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) in celebration of Mamukelashvili’s back-to-back threes during the fourth quarter at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson talks with San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) as they go into a timeout during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) scores over San Antonio Spurs forward Zach Collins (23) during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) guards San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) dunks over Sacramento Kings center Isaac Jones (17) during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) shoots over Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) and guard Kevin Huerter (9) during the first half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs guard Blake Wesley (14), from left, forward Jeremy Sochan and guard Sidy Cissoko cheer for points made by San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (0) over the Sacramento Kings during the first half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (0) dunks on the Sacramento Kings during the first half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) dives over Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) during the first half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) shoots over San Antonio Spurs forward Zach Collins (23) during the first half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs guard Sidy Cissoko (25) drives past Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) during the first half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) dunks on the Sacramento Kings in the first half of an NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) gets his fingers caught in the net while guarding Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) at the basket during the first half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) is announced as a starter before a home against against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) walks onto the court as the starting line up is announced for the home game against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) is announced as a starter in a home game against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio Spurs’ Keldon Johnson, from left, and Julian Champagnie (30) laugh together as Zach Collins bows his head before the start of the National Anthem during a home game against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (10) watches his team warm up before taking on the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Sochan is recovering from surgery to repair his fractured left thumb, which he incurred during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers in early November.
San Antonio Spurs center Charles Bassey, front, warms up with forward Harrison Barnes, back, before their game against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
Mickey Ogando of Austin points out San Antonio Spurs players to his 2-year-old son Aldo as his wife Maria Ogando looks on before the NBA game against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul, front, embraces Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan before the start of the Spurs versus Kings game at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul, left, and Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan share a laugh before the start of the Spurs versus Kings game at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson shares a laugh with former Spurs teammate Doug McDermott, who now plays for the Sacramento Kings, as they warm up for an NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson, left, watches San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) warm up before the Spurs’ home game against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson watches San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) warm up before the Spurs’ home game against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.
点击查看原文：3 takeaways as Wembanyama explodes against the Kings
3 takeaways as Wembanyama explodes against the Kings
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts to a Spurs three-pointer during the first half against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
There is the old military saw about the folly of fighting a land war in Asia.
The NBA version of that aphorism might involve getting into a fourth-quarter game with the Sacramento Kings.
Heading into the final frame against the league’s renowned crunch-time killers Monday night, the Spurs figured the best way to avoid taking the game down to the wire was to simply stay ahead by double digits.
No muss, no fuss.
The Spurs accomplished that much and then some, cruising to a 116-96 victory over the Kings at the Frost Bank Center.
Victor Wembanyama pumped in a season-high 34 points to go with 14 rebounds and three blocks, while Chris Paul added a 12-point, 11-assist double-double as the Spurs won for the second time in three games to open their homestand.
Next up is a game against a 2-7 Washington squad Wednesday.
Sacramento had three players eclipse 20 points – De’Aaron Fox (24), Domantas Sabonis (23 points, 11 rebounds) and DeMar DeRozan (21 points).
“That team you know, their aspirations and expectations for the season,” Paul said. “We’ve got to go into every game expecting to win and we’re starting to build that.”
The Kings had ample reason to come into Monday dragging, having played an overtime a night before and a time zone to the West in Phoenix.
Still, give the Spurs credit for making the most of their rest advantage.
The Kings hoped, if they could just get the game into the fourth quarter, one or both of their closers might will them to victory. DeRozan and Fox have long ranked near the top of the list of best fourth-quarter scorers in the league.
The Spurs did not let the Kings get close enough for that to matter.
His team ahead 84-71 headed to the final frame, Wembanyama swished a 3-pointer to open the scoring, Sandro Mamukelashvili buried two more, Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson contributed long balls of their own, and the Spurs held Sacramento outside an arm’s length the rest of the way.
Here are three takeaways from the Spurs’ solid victory Monday:
1. No quibbles with Wemby’s shot chart
Wembanyama’s struggles from 3-point range to start the season have been discussed at length in the public domain, but not at all in the Spurs’ locker room.
He seems to have rediscovered his groove from deep now, which has made everything else about his game look better.
For the second outing in a row Monday, Wembanyama swished six 3-pointers. He was 6 of 12 against the Kings, even if one or two of the attempts were not-so-well advised.
“What changed for sure is, I didn’t take any less threes – I’m taking better threes,” Wembanyama said. “It’s feeling better. I’m 20, so I hope for years and years it’s going to feel better and better.”
Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) guards San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
Having gone 12 for 21 from the 3-point line over the past two games, Wembanyama has raised his 3-point percentage from 22% to 31% – still not exactly sizzling, but at least trending upward.
“He makes shots every day,” acting coach Mitch Johnson said. “He missed really good shots to start the year, and I understand why it’s a talking point, but I don’t think we ever wavered on him not making shots. I think it is just percentages even out at this point.”
2. Next play mentality serves Castle well
Rookie Stephon Castle did not get off to the best of starts against Sacramento. He committed a pair of turnovers in the first quarter, missed two of his first three shots and suffered the occasional blow-by at the hands of Fox.
What happened next is one of the reasons the Spurs rave about the 20-year-old Castle.
Despite the shaky beginning, he was fine.
Making his fourth NBA start, Castle finished with 10 points, six assists, a steal and a block. He calmed down the turnover bugaboo and finished with three.
“He definitely has a demeanor that feels mature and older for his age,” Johnson said.
Castle’s ability to play through mistakes – and the Spurs’ willingness to allow him to do so – opens the potential for some game-altering sequences.
Near the end of the second quarter, Castle finished a fast-break layup in the slowest way possible, decreasing speed to let his defender go bounding past.
On Sacramento’s next possession, Castle got a piece of a Fox jumper, leading to his own basket on the other end.
That flurry helped the Spurs go from two points behind to five ahead heading into halftime.
After the game, Spurs teammates were raising eyebrows about what could become Castle’s signature move.
Manu Ginobili had the Euro step. Castle is developing a “slow step.”
“I think he’s already got the best slow step on the team,” Julian Champagnie said. “I think he might have the best slow step in the entire (expletive) league.”
3. After further review, let Paul make the call
Add replay review to Chris Paul’s laundry list of NBA skills.
Paul called for two in Monday’s game, winning both.
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) and Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) joke around during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
The first came in the second quarter, when Paul ripped the ball from Fox on a drive. Officials initially ruled a foul on Paul, leading the point guard to vehemently exhort Johnson to challenge.
“That steal, I surprised myself,” Paul said. “I wasn’t expecting to hear the foul call. That’s why I was so demonstrative. I was like, ‘I think I got that clean.’ “
Paul was correct, as video would confirm.
Later in the fourth quarter, Paul again urged Johnson to challenge an out-of-bounds call that originally handed the ball to the Kings. Replay clearly showed the ball bouncing off Sabonis, and the call was overturned.
Johnson said he will have no problem going along with Paul’s sixth sense on replay reviews in the future.
“He’s been doing this a lot longer than I have,” Johnson said.
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) goes up for a shot during the first half against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) and center Victor Wembanyama (1) talk while walking to the bench for a timeout during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson talks to his team during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) guards Sacramento Kings forward Doug McDermott (7) during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) shoots over San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (0) pulls down the rebound over Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (0) guards Sacramento Kings forward Trey Lyles (41) during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (0) reacts as San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) nets an “and-one” in the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
Sacramento Kings forward Doug McDermott (7) and forward Trey Lyles (41) double-team San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts as the Spurs bench cheers him on during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson talk to his team during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) wins a jump ball over Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) blocks Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) from the net during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) recovers a loose ball in front of Sacramento Kings forward Trey Lyles (41) during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) dunks on the San Antonio Spurs after a quick pass from Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10), not pictured, during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) reacts after hitting back-to-back threes in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) chest bumps San Antonio Spurs forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) in celebration of Mamukelashvili’s back-to-back threes during the fourth quarter at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson talks with San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) as they go into a timeout during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) scores over San Antonio Spurs forward Zach Collins (23) during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) guards San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) dunks over Sacramento Kings center Isaac Jones (17) during the second half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) shoots over Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) and guard Kevin Huerter (9) during the first half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs guard Blake Wesley (14), from left, forward Jeremy Sochan and guard Sidy Cissoko cheer for points made by San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (0) over the Sacramento Kings during the first half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (0) dunks on the Sacramento Kings during the first half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) dives over Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) during the first half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) shoots over San Antonio Spurs forward Zach Collins (23) during the first half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs guard Sidy Cissoko (25) drives past Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) during the first half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) dunks on the Sacramento Kings in the first half of an NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) gets his fingers caught in the net while guarding Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) at the basket during the first half at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) is announced as a starter before a home against against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) walks onto the court as the starting line up is announced for the home game against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) is announced as a starter in a home game against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio Spurs’ Keldon Johnson, from left, and Julian Champagnie (30) laugh together as Zach Collins bows his head before the start of the National Anthem during a home game against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (10) watches his team warm up before taking on the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Sochan is recovering from surgery to repair his fractured left thumb, which he incurred during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers in early November.
San Antonio Spurs center Charles Bassey, front, warms up with forward Harrison Barnes, back, before their game against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Kings, 116-96.
Mickey Ogando of Austin points out San Antonio Spurs players to his 2-year-old son Aldo as his wife Maria Ogando looks on before the NBA game against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul, front, embraces Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan before the start of the Spurs versus Kings game at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul, left, and Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan share a laugh before the start of the Spurs versus Kings game at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson shares a laugh with former Spurs teammate Doug McDermott, who now plays for the Sacramento Kings, as they warm up for an NBA game at the Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson, left, watches San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) warm up before the Spurs’ home game against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson watches San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) warm up before the Spurs’ home game against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.
By Jeff McDonald, Staff Writer, via San Antonio Express-News
