By Jeff McDonald, Staff writer | San Antonio Express-News (SAEN), 2024-11-27 00:39:42
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。
犹他州盐湖城 - 11月26日：2024年11月26日，在犹他州盐湖城的三角洲中心球馆举行的酋长杯比赛上半场，圣安东尼奥马刺队的1号维克托·文班亚马(Victor Wembanyama)在犹他爵士队的24号沃克·凯斯勒(Walker Kessler)面前投篮。
盐湖城——对于圣安东尼奥马刺队的新秀斯蒂芬·卡斯尔(Stephon Castle)来说，球队最近在第四节逆转取胜已经不再是什么新鲜事了。
卡斯尔没有经历过上赛季的阵痛，所以他对此习以为常。
“你能感觉到，”卡斯尔谈到马刺队第四节的杀手本能时说道，“那就是我们势头开始转变的时候。”
周二在犹他州，这一幕再次上演。马刺队在下半场再次掀起一波高潮，最终在三角洲中心球馆以128-115击败了爵士队。
文班亚马得到34分和3次盖帽，卡斯尔贡献23分，帮助马刺队取得四连胜。
这是俱乐部自2022年3月以来最长的连胜纪录。
马刺队在犹他的胜利得益于他们的防守，他们迫使对手出现21次失误——其中包括12次抢断——并将这些失误转化为33分。
“我认为上半场打得非常糟糕，”马刺队代理教练米奇·约翰逊说道，“我们已经打过几场这样的比赛了。下半场我们状态回升了。”
这是马刺和爵士本赛季的第四次也是最后一次交锋，马刺赢得了四场比赛中的三场。
自1974年以来，只有2017年的孟菲斯和休斯顿在11月底之前就完成了四次交手。
马刺队10场胜利中的30%来自对阵爵士。与此同时，爵士队4场胜利中的25%来自对阵马刺。
“等他们走了，我们会想念马刺的，”爵士队教练威尔·哈迪在赛前讽刺地说道。
进入第四节时，马刺队以96-93领先。
朱利安·尚帕尼在本节投中了三个三分球，这是马刺队一波13-3的得分高潮的一部分，帮助马刺队将领先优势扩大到13分。
这与上赛季的情况截然不同，当时很多这样的比赛马刺队都输掉了。
“我不会说我们去年没有信心，”文班亚马说道，“但我们在球场上有了更多的知识，当然也更有信心。我甚至不会称之为失败，因为我们学到了东西。”
以下是周二这场胜利的三点值得关注之处，这场胜利使马刺队的战绩提升至10胜8负：
- 改变比赛的那次进攻
第四节开始，马刺和爵士陷入了一场激烈的拉锯战。然后，改变比赛的那次进攻出现了。
这次进攻始于克里斯·保罗(Chris Paul)投失的一个三分球。
布雷克·韦斯利(Blake Wesley)和桑德罗·马穆克拉什维利(Sandro Mamukelashvili)都倒地拼抢，以保持球权。
这导致尚帕尼投篮不中，保罗抢到篮板。
保罗在底角的三分球被沃克·凯斯勒封盖，韦斯利抢到这个篮板。
接下来，韦斯利在左侧三分线外找到了马穆克拉什维利，他——终于！——投中了这个三分球，结束了这次进攻。
终结进攻。 pic.twitter.com/4SvIYjBKBV
— 圣安东尼奥马刺队 (@ spurs) 2024年11月27日
“很多时候，这些回合的价值超过了得分本身，”约翰逊说，“它能鼓舞球队，鼓舞替补席。它能帮助你在下一个防守回合中更加努力。而且它可以打击（对方的士气）。”
这记三分球让马刺在比赛还剩9分46秒时只领先7分，但它改变了比赛的基调。在那之后，马刺完全控制了比赛，将领先优势扩大到两位数。
“我们也曾处于劣势，这绝对很艰难，”马穆克拉什维利说。
约翰逊称赞韦斯利和马穆克拉什维利为球队注入了能量，否则替补席可能会缺乏能量。
韦斯利得到11分，马穆克拉什维利得到9分。韦斯利还有两次抢断，正负值高达+34。
“我认为他们在下半场用他们的能量和活力引领了球队的进攻，”约翰逊说。
- 谁是文班的最佳替补？
上周文班亚马缺席的情况下，查尔斯·巴斯(Charles Bassey)在马刺战胜俄克拉荷马城和犹他的比赛中替补出场表现出色。
即使所有内线球员都健康，马刺队的教练们也在寻找让他上场的方法。
在文班亚马周六对阵金州勇士队的比赛中复出后，巴斯没有上场。
在周二与爵士队的复赛中，二队中锋扎克·科林斯(Zach Collins)表现挣扎，约翰逊再次启用了巴斯。
科林斯打了6分钟，下半场没有上场。巴斯打了5分半钟，上半场没有上场。
周二，两位替补内线球员的表现都不是特别有效。科林斯在他上场的时间里一分未得，得到两个篮板和两次罚球。
巴斯在特雷·琼斯(Tre Jones)的助攻下完成了一次扣篮，还有两个篮板和两次犯规。
周二的比赛证明，约翰逊不会拘泥于一种轮换方式。
如果一个替补内线球员状态不佳，约翰逊会毫不犹豫地启用另一个。
“我们很幸运，维克托、扎克和查尔斯都为我们贡献了宝贵的上场时间，”约翰逊说，“我们的阵容深度有望慢慢成为我们的优势之一。”
- 嘿，酋长杯比赛仍在继续！
在比赛还剩5.5秒，胜负已分的情况下，卡斯尔投中了一个三分球，将马刺队的最终领先优势扩大到13分。
在任何其他情况下，这都会被认为是NBA的失礼行为。
但在酋长杯比赛中，这种做法是必要的。
小组赛排名中，如果出现平局，将根据净胜分来决定排名。每一分都很重要。
2024年11月26日，星期二，在盐湖城举行的NBA篮球比赛下半场，圣安东尼奥马刺队后卫斯蒂芬·卡斯尔(5号)带球突破，犹他爵士队后卫基昂特·乔治(3号)防守。(美联社照片/贝瑟尼·贝克)
凭借周二的胜利，马刺队在西部B组的战绩提升至2胜1负。如果输掉这场比赛，他们将被淘汰出局，无缘淘汰赛阶段。
相反，马刺队离开三角洲中心球馆时，仍然有机会在下个月前往拉斯维加斯。
周二晚些时候，菲尼克斯太阳队战胜洛杉矶湖人队，这对马刺队来说更是锦上添花。马刺队下周二在菲尼克斯的最后一场小组赛有可能决定他们能否晋级拉斯维加斯。
如果最终需要比较净胜分呢？马刺队+14的净胜分目前领先小组。
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz gets past Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs to score a basket during the second half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Harrison Ingram #55 of the San Antonio Spurs dives for a loose ball against Collin Sexton #2 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz chases Tre Jones #33 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Drew Eubanks #15 of the Utah Jazz battles for a rebound with Tre Jones #33 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket against Victor Wembanyama #1 and Julian Champaignie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) dribbles around San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) looks to pass as Utah Jazz forward Brice Sensabaugh (28) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (0) looks to throw the ball against the Utah Jazz at the end of the first half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) looks to pass as Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) and guard Keyonte George (3) defend during the second half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, front, goes for a layup as Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) shoots as Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) tries to dunk the ball as San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots as Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3), center Walker Kessler (24) and guard Collin Sexton (2) defend during the second half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) bats away a shot against the Utah Jazz during the second half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) drives to the basket as Utah Jazz forward Drew Eubanks (15) and guard Isaiah Collier (13) defend during the second half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) reacts to an injury during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) reacts to an injury during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) reacts to a call during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) reacts to a call during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton looks to pass as San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) shoots as San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40), guard Stephon Castle (5) and center Victor Wembanyama (1) defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) drives past San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz guard Johnny Juzang (33) looks to pass as San Antonio Spurs forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) shoots as San Antonio Spurs guard Tre Jones (33) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) passes around San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes during the first half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) brings the ball down the court as San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) grabs a rebound as center Walker Kessler (24) assists and San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) and guard Chris Paul (3) defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: John Collins #20 of the Utah Jazz grabs a rebound against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after running into Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz reacts as he is helped off the court after a collision with Victor Wembanayama of the San Antonio Spurs during the second half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Julian Champaignie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs blocks a shot by Collin Sexton #2 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Johnny Juzang #33 of the Utah Jazz passes the ball against Taylor Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Mitch Johnson interim head coach of the San Antonio Spurs shouts at an official during the second half of their Emirates NBA Cup game against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs drives against Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz during the first half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Chris Paul #3 of the San Antonio Spurs talks to the players on the court during the second half of their Emirates NBA Cup game against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Tre Jones #33 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket against Johnny Juzang #33 and Walker Kessler #34 of the Utah Jazz during the first half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz is pressured by Chris Paul #3 and Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz is fouled by Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Collin Sexton #2 of the Utah Jazz smiles as he runs up the court after sinking a basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots a three pointer over Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz during the first half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs questions a call by an official during the first half of their Emirates NBA Cup game against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
点击查看原文：3 takeways as Spurs beat Jazz to keep their win streak alive
3 takeways as Spurs beat Jazz to keep their win streak alive
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots around Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz during the first half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY — Spurs rookie Stephon Castle is never surprised when his team pulls out a close fourth-quarter game these days.
Having not been around for last season’s growing pains, Castle doesn’t know any better.
“You kind of sense it,” Castle said of the Spurs’ fourth-quarter killer instinct. “That’s when a lot of our momentum starts to shift.”
It happened again Tuesday in Utah, as the Spurs used another second-half surge to put away the Jazz 128-115 at the Delta Center.
Victor Wembanyama had 34 points and three blocks and Castle supplied 23 points as the Spurs won their fourth in a row.
It is the club’s longest winning streak since March 2022.
The Spurs won in Utah behind a defensive effort that forced 21 turnovers — including 12 steals — that they converted into 33 points.
“I thought the first half was pretty bad,” Spurs acting coach Mitch Johnson said. “We’ve had a couple of these games. We picked it up in the second half.”
It was the fourth and final meeting of the season between the Spurs and Jazz, with the Spurs winning three of the four matchups.
Only once since 1974 have two teams played each other four times before the end of November.
The came in 2017, when Memphis and Houston were through with each other by then.
The Spurs have gotten 30% of their 10 wins against Utah. The Jazz, meanwhile, have gotten 25% of their four wins against the Spurs.
“We’ll miss the Spurs when they are gone,” a sardonic Jazz coach Will Hardy said before the game.
The Spurs led 96-93 headed into the fourth before taking command.
Julian Champagnie made three 3-pointers in the frame, part of a 13-3 flurry that helped the Spurs push their lead as high as 13 points.
This is a turnabout from last season, when so many of these games went against the Spurs.
“I won’t say we were not confident last year,” Wembanyama said. “But we have a lot more knowledge on the court and for sure more confident. I won’t even call it failure, because we learned.”
Here are three takeaways from Tuesday’s victory, which improved the Spurs to 10-8:
1. The possession that changed the game
The Spurs and Jazz were locked in a tight battle to start the fourth quarter. Then came the possession that changed the game.
It started with a missed 3-pointer from Chris Paul.
Blake Wesley and Sandro Mamukelashvili both hit the deck to keep the loose rebound alive.
That led to a Champagnie misfire, which Paul rebounded.
Paul had a corner 3-pointer deflected by Walker Kessler, with Wesley tracking down that rebound.
Wesley next found Mamukelashvili along the left arc, and he — finally! — knocked down the 3-pointer to end the possession.
FINISHED IT. pic.twitter.com/4SvIYjBKBV
— San Antonio Spurs (@ spurs) November 27, 2024
“A lot of times, those are the plays that are worth more than the points,” Johnson said. “It lifts up the team, the bench. It helps you on the next possession defensively. And it can be deflating (for the other team).”
The shot left the Spurs ahead by only seven with 9:46 to play, but it altered the tenor of the game. The Spurs were in complete control after that, inflating their lead into double digits.
“We’ve been on the other side, and it’s definitely tough,” Mamukelashvili said.
Johnson credited Wesley and Mamukelashvili for providing an energy boost on a night the bench might have otherwise lacked it.
Wesley had 11 points and Mamukelashivili scored nine. Wesley chipped in a pair of steals and was a massive plus-34.
“I thought they led the charge there in the second half with their energy and activity,” Johnson said.
2. Who is Wemby’s top backup?
With Wembanyama out last week, Charles Bassey came up big off the bench for the Spurs in wins over Oklahoma City and Utah.
Spurs coaches have been looking for ways to get him on the floor even with a full contingent of big men healthy.
Bassey did not play upon Wembanyama’s return Saturday against Golden State.
With second-team center Zach Collins struggling in Tuesday’s rematch with the Jazz, Johnson turned to Bassey again.
Collins played six minutes, and none in the second half. Bassey logged 5 ½ minutes, and none in the first half.
Neither backup big was particularly effective Tuesday. Collins was scoreless with a pair of rebounds and pair of free throws in his stint.
Bassey had one dunk off a feed from Tre Jones, and also had two rebounds and two fouls.
What Tuesday proved is that Johnson won’t be wedded to one rotation.
If one backup big man is having himself an off night, Johnson won’t be slow to deploy another one.
“We’ve been fortunate that Victor, Zach and Charlie have all given us good minutes,” Johnson said. “Our depth is hopefully slowly becoming one of our strengths.”
3. Hey, the NBA Cup still in play!
With 5.5 seconds remaining in a game that was clearly already decided, Castle launched and made a 3-pointer to push the Spurs’ final lead to 13 points.
In any other circumstance, this would have been considered an NBA faux pas.
In Emirates NBA Cup play, such indulgences are necessary.
Ties in the group play standings are broken by point differential. Every point counts.
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) drives to the basket as Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
With Tuesday’s victory, the Spurs improved to 2-1 in West Group B play. A loss would have eliminated them from contention in the knockout rounds.
Instead, the Spurs left the Delta Center still alive for a trip to Las Vegas next month.
Phoenix’s win over the Los Angeles Lakers later Tuesday night only helped the Spurs’ cause. There is a chance the Spurs’ final group stage contest next Tuesday at Phoenix could serve to clinch a spot in Vegas.
And if things should come down to a tiebreaker? The Spurs’ plus-14 point differential leads the group.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz gets past Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs to score a basket during the second half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Harrison Ingram #55 of the San Antonio Spurs dives for a loose ball against Collin Sexton #2 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz chases Tre Jones #33 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Drew Eubanks #15 of the Utah Jazz battles for a rebound with Tre Jones #33 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket against Victor Wembanyama #1 and Julian Champaignie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) dribbles around San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) looks to pass as Utah Jazz forward Brice Sensabaugh (28) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (0) looks to throw the ball against the Utah Jazz at the end of the first half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) looks to pass as Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) and guard Keyonte George (3) defend during the second half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, front, goes for a layup as Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) shoots as Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) tries to dunk the ball as San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots as Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3), center Walker Kessler (24) and guard Collin Sexton (2) defend during the second half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) bats away a shot against the Utah Jazz during the second half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) drives to the basket as Utah Jazz forward Drew Eubanks (15) and guard Isaiah Collier (13) defend during the second half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) reacts to an injury during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) reacts to an injury during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) reacts to a call during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) reacts to a call during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton looks to pass as San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) shoots as San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40), guard Stephon Castle (5) and center Victor Wembanyama (1) defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) drives past San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz guard Johnny Juzang (33) looks to pass as San Antonio Spurs forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) shoots as San Antonio Spurs guard Tre Jones (33) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) passes around San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes during the first half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) brings the ball down the court as San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) grabs a rebound as center Walker Kessler (24) assists and San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) and guard Chris Paul (3) defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Bethany Baker)
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: John Collins #20 of the Utah Jazz grabs a rebound against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after running into Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz reacts as he is helped off the court after a collision with Victor Wembanayama of the San Antonio Spurs during the second half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Julian Champaignie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs blocks a shot by Collin Sexton #2 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Johnny Juzang #33 of the Utah Jazz passes the ball against Taylor Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Mitch Johnson interim head coach of the San Antonio Spurs shouts at an official during the second half of their Emirates NBA Cup game against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs drives against Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz during the first half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Chris Paul #3 of the San Antonio Spurs talks to the players on the court during the second half of their Emirates NBA Cup game against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Tre Jones #33 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket against Johnny Juzang #33 and Walker Kessler #34 of the Utah Jazz during the first half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz is pressured by Chris Paul #3 and Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz is fouled by Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Collin Sexton #2 of the Utah Jazz smiles as he runs up the court after sinking a basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots a three pointer over Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz during the first half of their Emirates NBA Cup game at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 26: Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs questions a call by an official during the first half of their Emirates NBA Cup game against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on November 26, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
By Jeff McDonald, Staff writer, via San Antonio Express-News