Spurs Continue Road Trip Woes Against Jazz
The San Antonio Spurs lost to the Utah Jazz on Sunday night, 128-109. The Spurs found themselves in a 24-point deficit in the middle of the second quarter and could never make the game close.
The Spurs tried to make a run in the fourth quarter and got the game within eight points with around eight minutes to play, but the run was quickly stifled.
With around five minutes left in the game, Lauri Markkanen had a steal that resulted in a Collin Sexton bucket, then added a block that led to a Jordan Clarkson three, stifling any chance the Spurs had to make a comeback.
Feb 25, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) shoots over San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (22) during the second quarter at Delta Center.
© Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
The Spurs were led by Devin Vassell, who added 27 points on solid shooting from deep. Victor Wembanyama added 22 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks, although the Jazz did a solid job of making sure Wemby could not be the hub of the Spurs' offense.
Utah benefited from a well-rounded night, as Clarkson, Sexton, Markkanen, Walker Kessler, and John Collins all had a solid night, posting double figures.
Turnovers and fouls highlighted the game. Both teams committed 17 fouls, but Utah had much more success from the charity stripe, making 86.4 percent of their free throws compared to an abysmal 63.2 percent for San Antonio.
Adding those extra points wouldn't have made much of a difference, but passing up on free points is never a good look. The Spurs also turned the ball over 20 times, and Utah was able to capitalize on easy points down the stretch, scoring 34 points off turnovers.
Oddly enough, the failed comeback was spearheaded by Sandro Mamukelashvili, who added eight points and two steals and helped lead some breaks for the Spurs. He was one of the few bright spots for the Spurs, outside of Vassell and Wembanyama.
The Spurs fall to 1-7 on the Rodeo Road Trip and have one game left against the Minnesota Timberwolves before returning home to the Frost Bank Center.
