Suns Dethrone Wembanyama’s Spurs with 130-118 Victory
UPDATE: The Phoenix Suns have handed Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs their first loss of the season with a commanding 130-118 victory on Sunday night. This stunning defeat marks a significant turning point for the Spurs, who had begun the season with a perfect 5-0 record.
In a game that showcased the Suns’ offensive prowess, Devin Booker led the charge with 28 points, while teammates Grayson Allen and Ryan Dunn contributed 17 points each. The Suns dominated early, shooting an impressive 70% from three-point range in the first half, establishing a lead that reached a staggering 31 points before the end of the third quarter.
In a surprising twist, Wembanyama struggled throughout the night, finishing with just 9 points on 4-of-14 shooting and recording six turnovers. This marked the first time since October 30, 2024, that the 7-foot-4 rookie failed to score in double digits. Wembanyama had been averaging 30.2 points and 14.6 rebounds prior to this game, making his performance even more shocking.
“We knew we had to come out strong, and we did just that,” Booker said after the game. “It’s a great feeling to get this win, especially against a team that was undefeated.”
The Suns’ bench also made a significant impact, scoring a total of 50 points, led by Collin Gillespie with 15 points. Phoenix had previously been struggling, but this victory marks their second consecutive win, a crucial momentum shift as they head into upcoming games.
For the Spurs, Stephon Castle led the scoring with 26 points, while Keldon Johnson added 19 points off the bench. Despite their efforts, San Antonio could not recover from the Suns’ early lead. The Spurs fell behind 102-78 entering the fourth quarter, ultimately failing to mount a successful comeback despite a brief surge.
In terms of team dynamics, both squads were missing key players. The Suns played without guard Jalen Green (hamstring) and forward Dillon Brooks (core muscle strain). The Spurs were also missing guard De’Aaron Fox (hamstring) and center Luke Kornet (sprained ankle), which may have contributed to their struggles in this matchup.
Looking ahead, the Spurs will face the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, while the Suns prepare to take on the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. Both teams are eager to bounce back and continue their pursuit of playoff positioning.
This game serves as a wake-up call for the Spurs and a clear statement from the Suns, emphasizing their potential as serious contenders this season. Fans can expect thrilling matchups in the days ahead.