Victor Wembanyama finished with 21 points, 17 rebounds and six blocks, and Devin Vassell poured in 28 as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Detroit Pistons 114-103 on Monday night in a matchup that could double as an NBA Finals preview.
San Antonio extended its winning streak to a season-best nine games, trailing only the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference standings. Detroit, which entered on a five-game run and leads the East, will host Oklahoma City on Wednesday in another marquee test.
The Spurs set the tone early, racing to a 14-2 lead on the road. Detroit battled back to take a three-point edge after the first quarter, but San Antonio regained control behind timely 3-point shooting and Wembanyama’s dominant presence in the paint. The 7-foot-4 center repeatedly altered shots and anchored the defense throughout the night.
San Antonio broke it open in the fourth quarter, scoring the first seven points to build a double-digit cushion it never relinquished.
Cade Cunningham endured a difficult night for Detroit, shooting 5-of-26 and finishing with 16 points and 10 assists. Jalen Duren added 25 points and 14 rebounds in his second game back from suspension. Isaiah Stewart remains sidelined while serving a suspension stemming from a fight earlier this month.
Tempers flared in the second quarter when Cunningham was whistled for an offensive foul after knocking down Spurs guard Stephon Castle. Keldon Johnson pushed Cunningham in response, and Duren stepped in, leading to technical fouls for Johnson and Duren after review.
Up next:
San Antonio visits Toronto on Wednesday, while Detroit returns home to face Oklahoma City.
