02/23/26 09:17:00
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02/23 21:15 CST Spurs humble Pistons with 114-103 victory in potential NBA
Finals preview
Spurs humble Pistons with 114-103 victory in potential NBA Finals preview
By LARRY LAGE
AP Sports Writer
DETROIT (AP) --- Victor Wembanyama had 21 points, 17 rebounds and six blocks,
Devin Vassell scored 28 and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Detroit Pistons
114-103 in a potential NBA Finals preview Monday night.
The Spurs have won a season-high nine games in a row and trail only the
defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference.
The Eastern Conference-leading Pistons, who had won five straight, host
Oklahoma City on Wednesday night in another test.
Detroit star Cade Cunningham struggled, missing 21 of 26 shots and finishing
with 16 points and 10 assists.
In the opener of a five-game trip, San Antonio jumped out to a 14-2 lead and
was ahead for much of the game. When the Spurs return home, they will host the
Pistons on March 5.
The Pistons rallied to lead by three after the first quarter, but the Spurs
regained control by making 3-pointers while Wembanyama, their 7-foot-4 center,
blocked and altered shots all night at the other end of the court.
San Antonio scored the first seven points of the fourth quarter to open a
double-digit lead and didn't have trouble keeping a comfortable cushion.
Jalen Duren had 25 points and 14 rebounds for Detroit, playing for the second
time after being suspended for two games by the NBA. Isaiah Stewart is still
serving his suspension, stemming from a fight during a game at Charlotte this
month.
Tempers flared in the second quarter when Cunningham was called for an
offensive foul after extending his arms and knocking down Spurs guard Stephon
Castle. San Antonio forward Keldon Johnson responded by pushing Cunningham, and
then Duren pointed his right finger in Johnson's face.
After a review, Johnson and Duren were called for technical fouls.
Up next
San Antonio plays at Toronto on Wednesday.
Detroit hosts Oklahoma City on Wednesday.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA
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