SAN ANTONIO, TX — The San Antonio Spurs celebrated a much-needed triumph, ending their 18-game losing streak with a 129-115 win against a depleted Los Angeles Lakers team on Friday night at the Frost Bank Center. Rookie Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell led the charge for the Spurs, with Wembanyama embracing Vassell in a jubilant hug and rallying the crowd in celebration.
Devin Vassell starred with a career-high 36 points, while Wembanyama added a double-double with 13 points and 15 rebounds. The win, reminiscent of playoff excitement for the Spurs, marked their first victory since November 2 and set a new tone for a team that had been struggling.
LeBron James, back from an injury, led the Lakers with 23 points and 10 rebounds. However, the Lakers were significantly hampered by the absence of key players Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, and Cam Reddish, which LeBron acknowledged as a challenge for the team’s structure.
Keldon Johnson and Zach Collins also played vital roles for the Spurs, scoring 17 and 16 points respectively. The Spurs’ record improved to 4-20, but the win represented more than just a number, signifying a potential turning point for the team.
The game started strong for San Antonio, establishing a double-digit lead within the first four minutes and extending it to 49-24 in the second quarter. The Lakers, led by Austin Reaves with 22 points and Rui Hachimura adding 20, fought back with a significant 38-17 run, challenging the Spurs’ dominance.
Despite the Lakers’ efforts, the Spurs maintained their lead, with Coach Gregg Popovich commending the team’s defensive efforts and acknowledging the need for improvement on the offensive end. Wembanyama, known for his defensive prowess, contributed five assists and two blocks, including a notable one-on-one moment with LeBron James.
This victory not only breaks the longest losing streak in Spurs’ franchise history but also injects a renewed sense of hope and determination into the team.
Looking ahead, the Lakers will host the New York Knicks on Monday, while the Spurs are set to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, carrying forward the momentum from this significant win.
