Detroit, MI — Behind a dominant all-around performance from Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs continued their surge Monday night, defeating the Detroit Pistons 114-103 in a matchup that had the feel of a potential championship preview.
Wembanyama delivered 21 points, 17 rebounds and six blocks, controlling the paint on both ends of the floor. Devin Vassell added 28 points as San Antonio extended its winning streak to a season-best nine games. The Spurs now sit just behind the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference standings.
Detroit, which entered the night atop the Eastern Conference and riding a five-game winning streak, struggled to find rhythm offensively. Star guard Cade Cunningham endured a difficult shooting performance, going 5-of-26 from the field. He finished with 16 points and 10 assists but missed 21 shots in the loss.
San Antonio seized control early in the first game of its five-game road trip, racing to a 14-2 advantage. Although Detroit briefly grabbed a three-point lead by the end of the first quarter, the Spurs answered with timely 3-point shooting while Wembanyama’s 7-foot-4 presence disrupted shots throughout the night.
The visitors pulled away for good at the start of the fourth quarter, scoring the first seven points to push the margin into double digits. From there, the Spurs maintained a comfortable cushion down the stretch.
For Detroit, Jalen Duren posted 25 points and 14 rebounds in his second game back after serving a two-game suspension. Meanwhile, Isaiah Stewart remains sidelined due to a suspension stemming from an altercation earlier this month.
Emotions ran high in the second quarter. Cunningham was whistled for an offensive foul after knocking down Spurs guard Stephon Castle with an extended arm. Moments later, San Antonio forward Keldon Johnson shoved Cunningham, and Duren stepped in, pointing at Johnson during the exchange. Following a video review, officials assessed technical fouls to both Johnson and Duren.
The teams will see each other again soon. San Antonio travels to Toronto on Wednesday, while Detroit hosts Oklahoma City that same night before visiting the Spurs on March 5.
