The San Antonio Spurs refused to relax Victor Wembanyama’s recovery plan even after a third win this season against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night.
Who: Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson reiterated that Wembanyama is still on a tight minutes restriction as he returns from a left calf strain that sidelined him for 12 games earlier in the season.
What: The 7-foot-4 center came off the bench for the seventh straight contest, producing 19 points and 11 rebounds in 26 minutes during a 114-105 victory over the defending champions.
When & Where: Thursday’s win in San Antonio marked the clubs’ third meeting in 13 days and pushed Oklahoma City to 26-5.
Why: Johnson said nothing—including a potential triple-overtime thriller—would persuade the coaching staff to exceed the preset limit. “There’s no circumstance that will allow us to get outside of ourselves,” he told reporters, noting Wembanyama’s agreement with the cautious approach. The rookie missed the post-All-Star portion of last season because of deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder and wants to stay healthy for what the Spurs hope will be a deep playoff run.
Fox shines in holiday debut
Guard De’Aaron Fox paced San Antonio early, scoring 21 of his 29 points in the first half. “This being my first Christmas game, I just wanted to come out with a win,” Fox said.
Playoff intensity in December
Both teams described the atmosphere as postseason-like. According to ESPN, it is the first time since the 1966-67 campaign that one opponent has handed a team three of its first five losses.
Wembanyama downplayed any larger statement. “We’re focused on the rest of the season. We’re not even halfway through,” he said.
Keldon Johnson reaches 400-game milestone
Forward Keldon Johnson appeared in his 400th game with San Antonio and logged his 25th career outing with 20 or more points off the bench. “I take pride in doing what my team needs me to do,” Johnson said.
The Spurs, now 23-9, continue their homestand on Saturday.
Source: Hoops Rumors
