The San Antonio Spurs’ 108-98 loss to the Orlando Magic was another roller coaster. Even though they had a strong start and ended the game with a strong run, the Silver and Black were unable to overcome the deficit they had built up in the second and third quarters.
San Antonio had significant issues all game long as a result of the Magic’s defensive pressure. Particularly dangerous players in the paint and at the attack point were Jalen Suggs and Jonathan Isaac. Orlando made the Spurs turn the ball over 19 times, and they immediately scored 10 points. San Antonio was only able to shoot 45% from the field overall and 29% from beyond the arc on 31 attempts due to that oppressive defense.
The Spurs’ first-quarter display gave no indication that they would have trouble scoring. The Silver and Black, especially Devin Vassell, Victor Wembanyama, and Jeremy Sochan, were aggressive from the beginning. Except for a layup by Dominick Barlow, that trio was responsible for all of the Spurs’ first-quarter points. All night long, Vassell in particular was solid. He made clutch shots in the closing minutes to finish with 26 points and 4 assists.
