Harrison Barnes led the San Antonio Spurs to a thrilling 126-118 comeback victory over the Utah Jazz on Thursday night, posting an impressive double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds.
The win marked San Antonio’s second straight without the presence of Victor Wembanyama, proving the team’s depth and resilience amid adversity.
Rookie Stephon Castle showcased his scoring prowess with a career-high 18 points, while Zach Collins matched his output with 18 points of his own. Chris Paul added a steadying presence, contributing 13 points and 10 assists, as the Spurs overcame a slow start to secure an inspiring victory in front of their home crowd.
Jazz Struggle to Hold Lead
Despite Lauri Markkanen’s stellar 27-point performance and Keyonte George’s 19-point outing, the Utah Jazz suffered their fourth consecutive defeat. Utah began the game strong, building an 18-point lead early in the second half, but turnovers and defensive lapses in the second half allowed San Antonio to claw back into contention.
The Jazz looked sharp early, committing just three turnovers in the first half while efficiently executing their offense. However, they unraveled after halftime, surrendering 11 turnovers in the second half and allowing San Antonio to dominate the scoring, 75-51, over the final two quarters.
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Spurs’ Defensive Anchor: Charles Bassey
One of the night’s biggest standouts was Spurs center Charles Bassey, who electrified the crowd with his defensive dominance. Bassey recorded 11 points, eight rebounds, and a career-high six blocks, providing the spark San Antonio needed to turn the tide.
A critical sequence late in the third quarter encapsulated Bassey’s impact. After rejecting Kyle Filipowski’s shot for his fifth block of the game, Bassey saved a loose ball along the baseline and converted the possession into points off an alley-oop feed from Tre Jones. That play ignited the Spurs and cut Utah’s lead to six, setting the stage for their decisive fourth-quarter push.
Second-Half Surge
San Antonio’s resurgence began in the third quarter, where they outscored Utah 34-22, trimming the deficit to single digits. The momentum carried into the final frame, as the Spurs tied the game at 89 and erupted for a 41-29 scoring advantage in the fourth.
Barnes and Castle were instrumental in the second-half rally, combining for timely baskets and defensive stops. Chris Paul orchestrated the offense masterfully, setting up teammates for open looks and ensuring the Spurs maintained control down the stretch.
Key Takeaways
The Spurs showcased their adaptability and resilience in a game where they could have folded after a sluggish start. Without Wembanyama and Devin Vassell—both sidelined for the third consecutive game with minor knee injuries—San Antonio relied on a balanced team effort and a suffocating second-half defense to secure the win.
Utah, on the other hand, struggled to maintain their first-half momentum. Their 11 second-half turnovers were emblematic of a team searching for consistency and confidence. The Jazz will need to tighten up their ball handling and defensive rotations if they hope to snap their current skid.
Stats That Tell the Story
San Antonio’s second-half dominance was evident in the numbers. They outscored Utah 75-51 over the final two quarters, a testament to their energy and execution. Additionally, the Spurs’ eighth win this season came much earlier than their eighth victory last year, which didn’t arrive until January 20, highlighting the team’s improved form and cohesion.
Looking Ahead
The Jazz will look to regroup as they host New York on Saturday, hoping to end their losing streak in front of their home fans. Meanwhile, the Spurs will aim to keep their momentum alive as they conclude their three-game homestand against Golden State.
Final Word
Harrison Barnes continues to lead by example, with his scoring and rebounding fueling the Spurs’ resurgence. The team’s collective effort and Charles Bassey’s defensive brilliance proved pivotal in this victory. As San Antonio builds on this momentum, their ability to succeed without Wembanyama speaks volumes about the squad’s potential this season.
