Spurs Stage Dramatic Comeback to Outshine Jazz in San Antonio Showdown
In a thrilling NBA matchup at the Frost Bank Center on Thursday night, the San Antonio Spurs overcame a 20-point deficit to secure a 126-118 victory over the struggling Utah Jazz. The win marked San Antonio’s second consecutive triumph while extending Utah’s losing streak to four games.
Harrison Barnes emerged as the Spurs’ hero, delivering an outstanding performance with 25 points and ten rebounds. The veteran forward’s clutch shooting and timely plays proved crucial in the fourth quarter, including a momentum-shifting breakaway dunk that gave San Antonio its first lead at 106-103 with 6:26 remaining.
The Jazz dominated early, building a commanding 67-51 halftime advantage behind Lauri Markkanen’s hot hand. The Finnish star finished with a game-high 27 points, but his efforts weren’t enough to prevent Utah’s collapse in the final frame.
Key Performances
The Spurs showcased their depth with seven players scoring in double figures:
- Zach Collins: 18 points
- Stephon Castle: 18 points
- Julian Champagnie: 14 points
- Chris Paul: 13 points, 11 assists (third double-double in four games)
- Keldon Johnson: 12 points
- Tre Jones: 11 points
- Charles Bassey: 11 points
For the Jazz, supporting Markkanen’s effort were:
- Keynote George: 19 points
- Brice Sensabaugh: 18 points
- John Collins: 18 points
Game Flow
The contest unfolded in distinct phases:
- First Quarter: Jazz burst out to a 32-17 lead
- Second Quarter: Utah extended their advantage to 20 points
- Third Quarter: Spurs began their comeback
- Fourth Quarter: San Antonio outplayed Utah decisively, securing the win
Turning Point
The game’s momentum shifted dramatically in the fourth quarter when the Spurs unleashed a decisive run. Paul’s three-pointer, Castle’s three-point play, and Paul’s mid-range jumper pushed San Antonio to a 117-110 lead with 2:42 left. Barnes sealed the victory with a crucial three-pointer in the final minute.
Notable Absences
The Spurs achieved this victory despite missing key players:
- Victor Wembanyama (bruised right knee)
- Devin Vassell (sore left knee)
Both stars missed their third consecutive game, making the comeback even more impressive.
Looking Ahead
The win improves the Spurs’ record to 8-8, while the Jazz fall to 3-12. Utah’s struggles on the road continue as they finish their trip winless, raising questions about their ability to compete away from home.
For San Antonio, this victory demonstrates their resilience and depth, showing they can overcome significant deficits even without their star rookie, Wembanyama. Barnes’s emergence as a reliable scorer and Paul’s veteran leadership have given the team a new dimension in close games.
The Jazz will look to regroup as they head home to face the New York Knicks on November 23, while the Spurs aim to build on this momentum in their upcoming matchups.