Spurs Handle Pistons’ Physical Play in Heated 114-103 Victory

San Antonio extended their winning streak to nine games with a 114-103 victory over Detroit in a physical matchup between two top NBA teams. Victor Wembanyama recorded 21 points, 17 rebounds and six blocks while Devin Vassell led scoring with 28 points and seven three-pointers.

DETROIT — In what could serve as a preview of the NBA Finals, the San Antonio Spurs demonstrated they won’t be intimidated by aggressive play, matching Detroit’s physicality with skill and determination during Monday night’s 114-103 victory over the Pistons.

Victor Wembanyama delivered an impressive performance with 21 points, 17 rebounds and six blocked shots, while Devin Vassell led all scorers with 28 points as San Antonio extended their winning streak.

“It’s definitely a night where we confirmed progression and confirmed potential as well,” Wembanyama said. “That was a good test.”

San Antonio successfully met that challenge despite their franchise player experiencing shooting difficulties. Wembanyama connected on just 6 of 16 attempts, but his supporting cast stepped up significantly with Vassell draining seven three-point shots and three additional players reaching double-digit scoring. The team collectively hit 18 three-pointers on 40 attempts from beyond the arc.

“We know how talented Wemby is and how impactful he can be, but it’s not a one-man show over there,” Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “They have a bunch of talented perimeter players.”

The victory marked San Antonio’s ninth consecutive win, a season-best streak that positions them second in the Western Conference behind only defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

Detroit, currently leading the Eastern Conference, saw their five-game winning streak end. The Pistons will face another test Wednesday night when they host Oklahoma City in another measuring stick game against elite competition.

“No matter who the opponent is, our guys are looking forward to those challenges,” Bickerstaff said.

Cade Cunningham struggled significantly against San Antonio’s defense, particularly with Stephon Castle as his primary defender. Cunningham made only 5 of 26 shot attempts, finishing with 16 points and 10 assists.

“I don’t know what the playoffs are like, but I know we’re going to need some of that,” said Wembanyama, who is in his second NBA season with a franchise that hasn’t reached the postseason since 2019.

Detroit aims to make significant playoff progress this season after not advancing past the first round since 2008. Last season marked one of the most dramatic turnarounds in NBA history for the Pistons, who ended a lengthy playoff drought but fell to the New York Knicks in the opening round.

Tensions escalated during the first half of Monday’s contest. Cunningham received an offensive foul call after extending his arms and sending Castle to the floor. Spurs forward Keldon Johnson retaliated by shoving Cunningham, prompting Pistons center Jalen Duren, who recently served a league suspension, to point his finger at Johnson’s face.

“That sparked a lot of energy on our team because we’re not going to back down,” Castle said.

Following official review, both Johnson and Duren received technical fouls during the second quarter of the tightly contested game.

The NBA recently suspended Detroit center Isaiah Stewart for seven games after he left the bench during a fight in the team’s game at Charlotte. Stewart remained suspended during San Antonio’s visit, while Duren previously served a two-game suspension for his role in initiating that altercation.

Wembanyama characterized Detroit’s approach as “bully ball,” expressing appreciation for experiencing their aggressive style of play.

“This is probably the team that is most capable of playing that ball,” he said.

San Antonio proved capable of matching Detroit’s intensity and physicality throughout the contest.

“They are going to test your toughness,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said. “Detroit just toes the line. I don’t think they cross it.”