SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs picked up the home win versus the Kings, winning 116-96.
Victor Wembanyama had 34 points and 14 rebounds. Julian Champagnie had 13 points and six rebounds, Harrison Barnes finished with 10, Keldon Johnson had 11, and Chris Paul had 12 points and 11 assists.
Devin Vassell added 12 points, and Stephon Castle had 10 points and six assists.
Due to injury, San Antonio was without Jeremy Sochan, Malaki Branham, and Tre Jones. Head coach Gregg Popovich was also out due to illness. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson assumed head coaching duties for the game.
The Spurs are 5-6 to start the season and will next host Washington on Wednesday night.
Here's a sample of what the teams said after the game.
SPURS
Mitch Johnson:
“We did a really good job in the third quarter setting the tone. We knew they would probably go on a little run, which they tried to there in the fourth. I think we responded really well.”
Paul:
“Mitch Johnson gave us a great speech at halftime. Just talked about us making sure that we remain confident and told us that we were beating ourselves, just being sloppy with the turnovers. Our whole coaching staff. Brett Brown talked to us today at shootaround [and] during the game. I think as the more games we play, we'll continue to build that confidence in each other.”
Barnes:
“It was a great experience. Obviously,[I was] in that [Kings] locker room for a long time, a lot of good memories, a lot of close relationships. So, it's good to go out there and compete against familiar faces.”
Wembanyama:
“I think it was one of those nights where we got back to our strengths. When we needed points, we knew who to go back to. Devin [Vassell] had a good stretch. Everybody was really in their role tonight and made great shots. This is how it works. We’re gonna get rewarded for making the right plays.”
KINGS
Mike Brown:
“[Victor Wembanyama] was spectacular tonight. [He] shot extremely well from the three-point line, which helped the rest of their team have confidence from there, too. But one of the things that we talked about was touching the paint and spraying it, especially with [Wembanyama] down there. All of us, everybody on the roster that touched the paint tried to challenge him at some point or another. Just easy sprays. Just touch the paint, move it on."