Fox Leads Balanced Spurs Attack in Win Over Wizards

BY EMMANUEL OGBONNA

De’Aaron Fox delivered a sharp shooting performance Sunday night, scoring 27 points and knocking down five 3-pointers as the San Antonio Spurs pulled away for a 124-113 victory over the Washington Wizards.

The win continued a strong stretch for San Antonio, which has now won six of its past seven games and completed a second victory over Washington in four days. The Spurs relied on a balanced offensive effort and a decisive second-quarter surge to take control and never relinquish it.

Luke Kornet was a steady presence inside for San Antonio, finishing with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while rookie Stephon Castle added 18 points and dished out 11 assists. Castle’s playmaking helped fuel the Spurs’ fast-paced offense, particularly during a dominant first half.

Victor Wembanyama, continuing to come off the bench as he works his way back from a calf strain, contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds in just under 22 minutes. The Spurs have kept the reigning Rookie of the Year on a minutes restriction since his return, and Sunday was no exception, with Wembanyama playing fewer than 25 minutes for the fifth straight game.

Washington was without two key starters, resting Alex Sarr due to an adductor issue and Khris Middleton because of knee soreness after both played in Saturday’s win at Memphis. Bub Carrington led the Wizards with 21 points, while Tre Johnson scored 19 and Tristan Vukcevic added 18.

The Spurs seized momentum in the second quarter, erupting for a 43-21 run that turned a close game into a blowout. Fox, Castle and Wembanyama combined for 30 points before halftime as San Antonio built a commanding 20-point lead at the break. Wembanyama logged nearly 15 minutes in the first half alone, helping anchor the defense and control the glass.

Washington attempted to chip away after halftime but never managed to cut the deficit below nine points. The Spurs’ efficiency and depth allowed coach Mitch Johnson to limit Wembanyama’s workload, keeping him on the bench for all but 40 seconds of the fourth quarter.

The loss spoiled Washington’s return home following a three-game road trip in which the Wizards picked up two wins. It also marked their fourth consecutive home defeat, underscoring ongoing struggles to find consistency.

San Antonio, meanwhile, continues to gain momentum as the season progresses, with Fox’s scoring punch, Castle’s development and Wembanyama’s gradual reintegration giving the Spurs reason for optimism moving forward.