Victor Wembanyama had 23 points and 15 rebounds while Stephon Castle added a triple double to lead San Antonio’s 127-95 victory at Milwaukee on Saturday, boosting the Spurs’ NBA win streak to eight games.<\/p>\n
Castle contributed 22 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for the Spurs while 22-year-old French star Wembanyana added two steals, six assists and a blocked shot.<\/p>\n
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San Antonio improved to 56-18, second in the Western Conference and only two games behind league leader Oklahoma City.<\/p>\n
The Spurs, who have clinched their first playoff berth since 2019, are an NBA-best 24-2 since February 1 and often winning by big margins.<\/p>\n
“Taking a lot of pride in it,” Wembanyama said. “Something none of us was used to until recently. It shows a lot of progress. Love it.”<\/p>\n
In his third season, 2023 NBA Draft top pick Wembanyama has lifted the Spurs from 22-60 in his Rookie of the Year campaign to a legitimate title threat.<\/p>\n
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“I guess one big component I have better than my first two years is winning. Now we’re a winning team,” he said. “Just trying to enjoy the whole thing and be the best version of myself.”<\/p>\n
A major reason for Wembanyama’s confidence is the defensive skill he and his teammates have displayed.<\/p>\n
“I know we’re the best defense out there,” Wembanyama said. “We have guys that have shown all season they can adapt quick. They are coachable. We have just a great collective so I’ve got 100% trust in my teammates.”<\/p>\n
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“Wemby” delivered an impressive behind-the-back pass to set up a Castle slam dunk, the guard scoring 11 points early as the Spurs jumped ahead 46-24 just 2:30 into the second quarter on the way to a 67-45 half-time lead.<\/p>\n
San Antonio led 102-79 after three quarters and scored the first 11 points of the fourth to help secure the victory.<\/p>\n
The Bucks (29-44), playing without Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo for a sixth straight game due to a left knee injury, were eliminated from post-season contention with the loss to the Spurs, missing out on the playoffs for the first time since 2016.<\/p>\n
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Milwaukee’s defeat secured no worse than play-in spots for Philadelphia, Charlotte, Orlando and Miami — who hold the seventh through 10th spots in the Eastern Conference.<\/p>\n
East leader Detroit (53-20) was set for a later game at Minnesota (45-28) with each time missing its’ top scorer.<\/p>\n
The Pistons are without star Cade Cunningham due to a collapsed lung while Minnesota All-Star guard Anthony Edwards is out with a knee injury.<\/p>\n
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