Takeaways: Wemby, Spurs Snap Skid With Win Over Rockets To Open NBA Cup Play

SAN ANTONIO — After two games of uncharacteristic performances and struggles from their star player, the San Antonio Spurs got back on track as they opened up NBA Cup play with a 121-110 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night at the Frost Bank Center.

The victory not only snaps a two-game skid but also keeps the Silver and Black undefeated inside the friendly confines of the Frost Bank Center early on in the young season.

“I was really proud of the response in terms of the physicality and the competitiveness,” Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson said. “That’s a team (Houston) that’s going to impose its will and test you for 48 minutes.”

Here are three takeaways after the Spurs’ win over Houston:

Wemby figures some things out

Over the past two games, Victor Wembanyama has struggled to figure out what to do when teams throw multiple bodies at him. For a while in Friday’s game, he appeared frustrated early and often. He ended the first quarter with two points on 1-of-3 shooting and turned the ball over three times.

The second half was a much different story. Wemby was aggressive in attacking the rim, driving the lane, and when the double team came, he passed the ball to an open teammate. He would finish the night with 22 points, 18 coming in the second half, to go along with eight rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.

“Just experience. There’s a difference between never facing this kind of defense before to now, 3 or 4 games later,” Wembanyama said of his second half performance. “We’re trying to figure it out. I’m trying to figure it out. It’s going to get better.”

Johnson agreed, saying there’s no secret to his star player figuring things out.

“I think he slowed down and allowed the reads to unfold,” he said of Wemby. “When he gets the ball and we space properly, teams have to decide to guard him one-on-one or bring multiple bodies. It’s no secret.”

Julian’s redemption arc

After two subpar games, Julian Champagnie delivered the performance Coach Johnson and the organization knew he could, thankfully it came when his team needed him the most.

Champagnie finished with 22 points, hitting six of his 13 three-point attempts while also chipping in five steals. 

“I wouldn’t have got shots if it wasn’t for them,” Champagnie said of his teammates. Steph made the passes, Vic made the right plays. So shoutout to all of them.”

Defensive anchor

San Antonio’s defense was the story of the night and it fueled their offense. The Spurs had a season-high 15 steals and forced Houston into 20 turnovers. It is the defense that the Spurs coaching staff has been preaching since day one.

“It’s all about defense here,” Champagnie said. That’s what got us back into it.”

Up next:

The Spurs are now 1-0 in NBA Cup play and 6-2 on the season overall. They will return to the court in less than 24 hours to face off against the New Orleans Pelicans (2-6) at 7 p.m. at the Frost Bank Center.