Spurs Extend Perfect Start as Bucks and Nuggets Showcase Depth
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San Antonio, Milwaukee and Denver all posted notable early-season milestones, highlighted by the Spurs’ first-ever 5–0 opening, a breakout night from Bucks guard Ryan Rollins and renewed front-court support for the Nuggets.
Spurs
The Spurs remain unbeaten after edging the Miami Heat 107-101 on Friday at Frost Bank Center, marking the first 5-0 start in franchise history. Rookie center Victor Wembanyama powered San Antonio with 27 points, 18 rebounds, six assists and five blocks across a season-high 40 minutes.
San Antonio led by 15 entering the final period, surrendered the advantage midway through the quarter, then closed out the game with late stops and key baskets from Harrison Barnes and Stephon Castle. Guard Castle finished with 21 points and four steals as the Spurs collected 10 steals overall and converted 19 points off turnovers.
“This is years of work for all of us, and now we have the maturity to get wins,” Wembanyama told the crowd postgame. The Spurs visit the Phoenix Suns on Sunday.
Bucks
Despite scratching Giannis Antetokounmpo moments before tip-off Thursday because of back soreness, Milwaukee beat the Golden State Warriors 119-110 to improve to 4-1. Former Warriors draft pick Ryan Rollins delivered a career-high 32 points along with eight assists and five rebounds, two nights after scoring 25, capping a breakout week for the second-year guard.
Milwaukee will host the Denver Nuggets in its next outing.
Nuggets
The defending champions are finding valuable respite for Nikola Jokić thanks to reserve center Jonas Valančiūnas. In Wednesday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans, Valančiūnas contributed 10 points, six boards and three assists in 14 minutes while Denver outscored New Orleans during Jokić’s time on the bench.
“He scores, passes, takes pressure off everyone. That’s big for us,” Jokić said. Forward Aaron Gordon added, “He’s certified. There’s not a huge drop-off.”
Jokić still delivered his fourth consecutive triple-double to open the season, tying an NBA record.
Source: Hoops Wire
