Feb 4, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder ahead Kenrich Williams (34) passes the ball over San Antonio Spurs ahead Victor Wembanyama (1) and guard Stephon Fortress (5) through the first half at Frost Financial institution Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Scott Wachter-Imagn Photos The San Antonio Spurs will swagger a bit once they stride into Dallas to play the struggling Mavericks on Thursday within the newest rendition of the Lone Star State rivalry.
The Spurs needs to be feeling fairly good about themselves after beating Oklahoma Metropolis 116-106 on Wednesday to safe their fourth win in 5 video games this season in opposition to the West-leading Thunder.
Sure, Oklahoma Metropolis suited up simply eight gamers and was with out 4 starters together with reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, however any win over the Thunder must be celebrated.
Keldon Johnson scored 25 factors off the bench and Victor Wembanyama added 22 factors and 14 rebounds to guide the Spurs, who — with 34 wins — have already matched their complete from final season simply 9 video games previous the halfway level.
San Antonio additionally acquired 15 factors and 10 assists from De’Aaron Fox, whereas Stephon Fortress hit for 14 factors, Carter Bryant scored 11 and Luke Kornet took 15 boards.
The win was not a simple one regardless of the Spurs’ apparent benefit in depth. Oklahoma Metropolis pulled to inside 4 factors with 4 minutes to play earlier than Fortress and Wembanyama made performs down the stretch to guarantee San Antonio’s second straight win.
“We did what we needed to do to get the win,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson stated. “I feel there’s plenty of issues that would have been higher and it was good to see us end the job, however there are plenty of issues that we are going to proceed to do to attempt to maintain ourselves to our customary.”
Thursday’s contest is the primary assembly between the groups since a Spurs win in Dallas of their season opening sport on Oct. 22. It’s also the primary of a home-and-home miniseries over a three-day interval, with the follow-up on Saturday within the Alamo Metropolis.
The Mavericks have dropped 5 straight video games, most not too long ago a 110-100 setback at dwelling to Boston on Tuesday. The loss got here regardless of a 36-point efficiency from rookie Cooper Flagg, whereas Caleb Martin added 13 factors, Daniel Gafford had 10 factors and 12 rebounds and Max Christie additionally hit for 10 factors.
The Mavericks tallied simply 15 factors within the second interval – their lowest in any quarter this season – trailed by eight at halftime and by no means recovered.
Flagg’s output marked his third straight sport with 30 or extra factors.
“I am simply being assured, being aggressive, attending to my spots with good tempo and it is labored out nicely,” Flagg stated of his current scoring outburst. “I am simply happy with myself for staying assured, staying poised. I by no means doubted myself (with) everyone saying everyone (I’ve hit) a rookie wall or no matter. I simply let all that cross and acquired again up stronger.”
The Mavericks’ workforce that strains up in opposition to San Antonio may have a special roster. On Wednesday, Dallas traded injured famous person Anthony Davis together with Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum to Washington in trade for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III and 5 mixed draft picks.
Whereas Dallas’ new gamers is probably not in uniform on Thursday, the workforce will certainly be with out the 4 gamers who have been traded away.
-Area Stage Media
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