DETROIT The San Antonio Spurs refused to let the Detroit Pistons rough them up, responding to physical play with toughness and talent, in a potential preview of the NBA Finals.
Victor Wembanyama had 21 points, 17 rebounds and six blocks, Devin Vassell scored 28 and San Antonio beat Detroit 114-103 on Monday night.
“It’s definitely a night where we confirmed progression and confirmed potential as well,” Wembanyama said. “That was a good test.”
The Spurs passed it — even with their superstar struggling with his shot.
Wembanyama was 6-of-16 and his teammates more than made up for it with Vassell making seven 3-pointers and three other teammates scoring in double figures. The Spurs combined to make 18 of 40 shots beyond the arc.
“We know how talented Wemby is and how impactful he can be, but it’s not a one-man show over there,” Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “They have a bunch of talented perimeter players.”
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.
