“I thought the physicality was superb that they were connected,” said coach Mitch Johnson.
The San Antonio Spurs beat the Los Angeles Clippers at home 122-86.
Victor Wembanyama led the team with 27 points and nine rebounds. Harrison Barnes had 11, and Chris Paul had seven and four assists.
Jeremy Sochan added four points and five rebounds before exiting the game with a back injury. Devin Vassell recorded eight, Keldon Johnson had 17 and six rebounds, and Zach Collins finished with seven. Stephon Castle had 17.
Head coach Gregg Popovich was also out due to illness. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson assumed head coaching duties for the game.
The Spurs are 17-16 this season and will visit the Nuggets on Friday night.
Here’s a sample of what the teams said after the game.
Mitch Johnson:
“I thought the physicality was superb that they were connected. The game plan execution was sharp, and from the transition to the half court, it was a very good showing.”
“I think that winning has to be a part of development, progressing and getting better and wanting to get to next steps or stages as a program. Right now, we don’t judge it on the record. The record takes care of itself.”
“Really doesn’t matter when you come in. If I didn’t start the second half… I only came in ready. My mindset was really focus on our defensive game plan on (James) Harden. I had to pick that assignment from Jeremy (Sochan).”
“Having a short-term memory, whether it’s a good game or a bad game, guys, will you be able to ask the scouting report on how people are going to guard you in certain ways. Sometimes not going to be a night, or sometimes it is or you’re not.”
“You want to learn and win at the same time, right? So, all these games, we constantly learn things and understand the attention to detail. We just want to continue to figure out how to win and learn at the same time. So we obviously know the road is a lot harder than at home, and we just got to keep building.”
Wembanyama:
“I looked at the standings this morning, and we were in the Play-In games. So that is just how hard it is to be at the top of this conference, especially. Tonight was a big one.”