Victor Wembanyama Shines in Return, Spurs Overcome 17-Point Deficit to Stun Warriors 104-94
In an impressive comeback, the San Antonio Spurs overturned a 17-point deficit in the third quarter to secure a thrilling 104-94 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night. Spurs’ star Victor Wembanyama returned from a three-game absence and delivered a stellar performance, leading his team with 25 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, and three blocks. The win marked the Spurs’ third consecutive victory, their longest winning streak since January 2021.
Game Recap: Warriors Start Strong, Spurs Finish Stronger
The game started with momentum in Golden State’s favor. After Harrison Barnes opened the scoring for the Spurs with a quick layup, the Warriors responded with an 11-0 run, establishing an early 20-8 lead. The Warriors, who were coming off two straight wins, appeared to be in control for most of the game. However, San Antonio managed to stage a remarkable comeback, outscoring Golden State 40-13 in the final stretch.
Despite leading by as much as 17 points late in the third quarter, Golden State struggled to maintain their offensive flow. The Spurs capitalized on this, thanks to their relentless defense and clutch plays from both Wembanyama and rookie Stephon Castle, who delivered a strong 19-point performance, including a key defensive play against Stephen Curry late in the game.
Key Moments: Spurs Rally and Castle’s Defensive Heroics
With less than two minutes left in the third quarter, the Spurs trailed 81-64, and the game seemed to be slipping out of their hands. But that’s when the momentum shifted dramatically. San Antonio went on an 11-0 run midway through the fourth quarter, highlighted by Castle’s driving layup and deep 3-pointer. Wembanyama, who had been instrumental throughout, also added a 31-foot 3-pointer during this run, putting the Spurs in a commanding position.
The Warriors went cold during the critical moments, failing to score a field goal for over five minutes in the fourth quarter. San Antonio’s defense, led by Wembanyama’s presence in the paint and Castle’s perimeter pressure, smothered Golden State’s shooters, holding them to just 13 points in the final frame.
One of the pivotal moments came with 1:46 remaining when Castle stole the ball from Stephen Curry, preserving an eight-point lead for the Spurs. This defensive play was a turning point, sealing Golden State’s fate and showcasing the rookie’s poise in crucial moments.
Victor Wembanyama’s Return: A Game-Changer
Wembanyama’s return from a bruised right knee was exactly what San Antonio needed to rally past a formidable Warriors team. His impact on both ends of the floor was undeniable, as he not only led the team in scoring but also orchestrated plays with his nine assists. His ability to shoot from deep, protect the rim, and facilitate for his teammates makes him a versatile threat and one of the most exciting young talents in the NBA.
Speaking after the game, Wembanyama expressed relief and excitement about being back on the court:
“I felt good out there tonight. Coming back from the injury, I just wanted to make sure I contributed in any way I could. My teammates did an incredible job staying composed, and we believed we could win even when we were down big,” Wembanyama said.
Head coach Gregg Popovich also praised his star’s performance:
“Victor showed tonight why he’s so important to us. His ability to influence the game on multiple levels is special. But it wasn’t just him. Our young guys like Stephon (Castle) stepped up in a big way. That’s what it’s all about, playing hard and never giving up.”
Stephon Castle Steps Up in the Spotlight
Stephon Castle, the Spurs’ rookie guard, delivered one of his best performances of the season, finishing with 19 points, including several clutch shots during San Antonio’s decisive run. Castle’s fearlessness on the defensive end also played a crucial role, particularly when he stole the ball from Curry in the final minutes.
After the game, Castle spoke about his mentality during the Spurs’ comeback:
“We never lost faith. Coach always tells us to keep fighting no matter what. That’s what we did. I just wanted to do my part to help the team, whether it was hitting shots or getting stops on defense,” Castle said.
His contributions in the fourth quarter were essential, as he not only scored key baskets but also provided the energy and defensive intensity that helped stymie the Warriors’ offense.
Golden State’s Struggles: Missed Opportunities
While San Antonio’s effort was commendable, the Warriors will likely look back on this game as one of missed opportunities. Golden State dominated early, with Andrew Wiggins scoring 20 points and Stephen Curry contributing 14 points. Trayce Jackson-Davis added 12 points and eight rebounds, but the Warriors’ bench, which had been averaging 54 points per game, was held to just 36 points on the night.
Golden State’s offense sputtered down the stretch, and their inability to score consistently in the fourth quarter ultimately cost them the game. The Warriors were held scoreless for over four and a half minutes during a critical stretch and failed to make a field goal for more than five minutes late in the game.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reflected on the team’s fourth-quarter collapse:
“We just didn’t execute in the fourth. Credit to San Antonio, they played tough and made big plays. We got stagnant, and that’s something we’ll need to address. It’s a tough loss, but we’ve got to move on and learn from it.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams
With this win, the Spurs improved to 6-10 on the season and will look to build on their momentum when they face the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night. Meanwhile, the Warriors, now 10-7, will look to bounce back when they host the Brooklyn Nets on Monday.
For San Antonio, the victory highlights the potential of their young roster. Wembanyama continues to show why he was the top pick in the draft, while Castle’s development is a promising sign for the future. The Spurs are still a work in progress, but their performance in this game demonstrates that they are capable of competing with some of the best teams in the league when firing on all cylinders.
As for the Warriors, this loss serves as a reminder that they cannot afford to let up against any team, especially one as hungry and determined as the Spurs. Despite their experience, they will need to find more consistent play in close games if they hope to make a deep run this season.
Final Thoughts
The Spurs’ comeback victory against the Warriors is a testament to their resilience and growth as a team. Led by Wembanyama’s brilliance and Castle’s timely contributions, San Antonio showed they are capable of overcoming adversity and delivering in clutch moments. For the Warriors, the loss exposes some vulnerabilities that they will need to address as the season progresses, particularly in terms of maintaining intensity late in games.
Both teams have much to take away from this game, and it will be interesting to see how they adjust in the coming weeks.
Wemby did a little bit of everything in the W over the Warriors!
— NBA (@NBA) November 24, 2024
💥 25 PTS
💥 7 REB
💥 9 AST
💥 3 BLK
💥 4 3PM pic.twitter.com/nGPfqFwYjb
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