SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs, led by a monstrous first-half performance from Victor Wembanyama, took a 43-33 lead into the locker room over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night at the Frost Bank Center.
The Spurs seized control from the opening tip, winning the first quarter 35-26. Their defense set the tone, consistently disrupting Golden State’s rhythm and generating transition opportunities. Wembanyama was the engine on both ends, amassing 21 points and 12 rebounds by halftime, overpowering the Warriors in the paint and from the perimeter.
Golden State’s offensive struggles became acute in a brutal second quarter, where they managed only seven points. After a competitive start, their shooting went cold, and they endured a scoring drought lasting over six minutes. Brandin Podziemski’s 12 first-half points provided the only consistent spark for the Warriors, who shot just 32% from the field as a team.
The Spurs’ offense slowed considerably in the second frame, scoring only eight points themselves, but their defensive intensity never wavered. They maintained their double-digit cushion largely due to their early work and the Warriors’ profound scoring woes.
To mount a comeback, Golden State must solve the Wembanyama puzzle and rediscover their shooting touch. San Antonio will look to re-ignite their offensive flow while continuing their stifling defensive effort to close out the game.
