Spurs Cruise Past Magic 107-97
Victor Wembanyama scores 11 points in pre-season debut
The San Antonio Spurs secured a victory over the Orlando Magic 107-97 in the second preseason game at the Frost Bank Center. The Spurs managed to overcome an early deficit, showcasing their resilience. Rookie Stephon Castle was a standout performer for the Spurs, leading the team with 17 points, 2 boards, and 4 assists.
Jeremy Sochan scored 12 points and Victor Wembanyama had a notable performance, finishing with 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, despite a slow start. His chemistry with Chris Paul, who also debuted for the Spurs, was evident, especially in a highlight-reel alley-oop dunk.
Orlando started strong, with zero turnovers and leading early, but couldn't maintain this momentum throughout the game. Conversely, the Spurs, despite a slow start, tightened up their game, particularly in terms of capitalizing on turnovers and maintaining composure by closing out the game in the final quarter. Chris Paul had 5 points, 2 rebounrds, and 3 assists in the Spurs win and had this to say to SPURFECT about playing alongside Wemby.
Chris Paul Speaks With SPURFECT
The third quarter was pivotal, with the Spurs tying the game midway through. This period was marked by increased physicality and better teamwork, especially noted when the bench players like Sandro Mamukelashvili, Malaki Branham, and Harrison Ingram added crucial contributions.
Stephon Castle was poised for a breakout game after scoring just 5 points with 6 turnovers in a preseason loss to the Thunder and he delivered. Castle has the potential to be an elite role player or possibly fill-in as a starter when he is called upon. TOD TV on Playback was able to obtain Stephon Castle’s post game media presser.
This win for the Spurs, especially considering the absence of key players like Tre Jones, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson and Zach Collins, suggests a positive note for their upcoming regular season. The game served as a testbed for lineup chemistry and individual player roles, with Wembanyama and Paul's debut providing fans with a glimpse of what might be expected moving forward.
This game, while in the preseason, offered valuable insights into the team dynamics, individual player development, and strategic gameplay adjustments for the Spurs as they gear up for the regular season.
The Spurs next preseason game is on the road versus Lauri Markkanen and the Utah Jazz.
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