Sometimes it seems like a really hot start is the worst thing that can happen to the Spurs. After the Spurs started the game on an 11-0 run the Spurs let up a bit and let the Kings back into the game. They got complacent, and the Kings fed off of the Spurs lack of energy and lazy turnovers. They came out of the locker room after halftime and gave the Spurs a tough time by playing tough and chippy, and just working harder. The Spurs finally took control of the game with a 12-0 run that spanned the last minute of the third quarter and the first minute of the fourth. The Spurs overcame a game effort from DeMar DeRozan, Keegan Murray, and Maxime Raynaud with an incredible performance from Victor Wembanyama on both ends of the floor with four blocks and 28 points and nice games from Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and De’Aaron Fox. Keldon Johnson brought energy off the bench, keeping the Spurs in the game when the rest of the team seemed to be trying to coast through without expending too much effort. That turned out to be good enough to beat the sad sack Kings, who seemed to be competitive with the Silver and Black until they weren’t, as the Spurs were able to beat them by playing at top efficiency for about 8 minutes of game time spanning the third and fourth quarter, turning a close game into an Austin blowout. That kind of effort won’t be good enough to beat the Pistons on Monday night, and I’m sure that’s going to be Mitch Johnson’s message to the team after the game.
The Spurs are headed to Detroit to face the Pistons, who are currently leading the Eastern Conference standings and are in a virtual tie with the Thunder for the best record in the league, with one few loss and two fewer wins. The Spurs have played well against the top team in the west, with a 4-1 record against OKC, and Monday they’ll get a chance to see how well they do against the east’s best.