San Antonio vs. Milwaukee, Final Score: Spurs explode against Bucks, win 144-118

San Antonio vs. Milwaukee, Final Score: Spurs explode against Bucks, win 144-118
Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

The Spurs get a much-needed home win to close out a rough January.

Desperate to end a rough Janaury on a high note, the Spurs came out more focused and determined than they’ve looked all month against a Milwaukee Bucks squad that cooked them a couple of weeks prior. After a close first half, the Spurs exploded in the second, outscoring the Bucks 74-47, getting everything they wanted while turning a one-point deficit into a 144-118 blowout win.

Victor Wembanyama led six Spurs in double figures with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 blocks, while Giannis Antetokounmpo had 35 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists.

Observations

  • Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way: the massive trade rumors that are swirling about a potential four (or more!) team trade that would bring De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs. While trade talk is part of the business, especially now that we’re within a week of the deadline, it’s certainly awkward going into a game, and especially a back-to-back. It makes you wonder if this is the last time we’ll see the Spurs with this particular roster, who we might be seeing in a Spurs uniform for the last time, etc.
  • Those trade talks may have had the Spurs motivated, as everyone seemingly came out with some extra pep and motivation. Keldon Johnson — a common source of trade rumors — seemed even more amped up than usual (if that’s even possible) with 20 of his 24 points in the first half, including 4-5 from three and many drives to the rim. I just hope this isn’t the last we’ve seen of KJ in a Spurs uniform (or close to it). He’s one of those players that despite the fan hate he gets at times, he’s the heart of the locker room, and I would be sad to see him go.
  • There was another change up in Wemby’s minutes rotation tonight, where he subbed out with five minutes left in the first, came back in with a little under 3 minutes left, then subbed out again to start the second quarter. Then, Jeremy Sochan had three fouls and had to sit with 8:27 left in the second, but Stephon Castle came in in his place, and the Spurs played an entirely small lineup until Wemby re-entered with six minutes left. They actually held their own despite Brook Lopez being out there, outscoring the Bucks by one in that time span.
  • I will keep advocating for the NBA to adopt a rule that allows uncalled goal tends, offensive or defensive, to be reviewed by Secaucus and updated at the next dead ball, similar to three-pointers. Either that or just adopt FIBA rules and get rid of goal-tending all together. Not that it mattered much, but this was the second game in a row where the opponent (Ivica Zubac for the Clippers, Giannis for the Bucks) got away with pretty blatantly tipping the ball back in while it was still on the rim. On the bright side, Mitch Johnson did successfully challenge a bad defensive goal tending on Wemby a few minutes later!
  • Castle has really upped his aggression in driving to the basket lately, and he was rewarded tonight with 10 free throws as part of a 20 point, 8 rebound, 6 assist performance. When he starts learning how to finish through that contact, he will be an unstoppable force. He also complimented his drives with a 3-6 night from three. He and Chris Paul in particular did a good job of finding each other in the corners.
  • Giannis got hot in the fourth quarter after tripping over Paul on a spin move. He then sat on the floor pointing and yelling “you!” at Paul before getting up and starting a no-harm, no-foul scuffle. He remained hot after the game, still yelling at Paul and delaying his interview with Dan Weiss. My only guess is he thought Paul pushed him on the foul (he didn’t) or something had been said earlier that was building up tension, and that was the boiling point. It was bizarre, nonetheless.
  • Even though the Spurs lost to the Bucks at home in January last season, it was remembered as a turning point and confidence booster for the team, plus it was symbolized by Wemby blocking Giannis. He got two on consecutive plays as the Spurs got out to a 12-2 lead early, and the budding rivalry between those two continued throughout. This time, though, the Spurs got a resounding win, so here’s to hoping it once again acts as a turning point as they look to get past a tough Janaury stretch and make a run for the postseason.
  • You know it’s your night when stuff like this is going in:


The Spurs will be right back tomorrow night to take on the Jimmy Butler-less Miami Heat for their final game before the Rodeo Road Trip. Tip-off will be at 7:30 PM on KENS 5.

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