The Suns were missing their emotional leader in Dillon Brooks, who was suspended for tonight’s game after committing 16 technical fouls before the All Star Break. When Devin Booker couldn’t come out of the locker room after halftime with hip soreness, the Suns were wounded, and the Spurs took advantage. The Spurs fought their way through an inefficient first half with Victor settling for three point shots and finesse plays, but still led by 12, thanks to some solid play from Luke Kornet and company. Victor moved his game inside the paint in the second half, and that combined with his ability to erase the opponents’ shots on defense let the Spurs put the game out of reach in the second half with a 37-22 third quarter. When the Spurs extended the lead to 30+ early in the final frame, it was Biyombo time as the Spurs put in a lineup of all third stringers to finish out the game. The Austin was treated to some nice shots from Carter Bryant and the rest of the garbage time crew as they held most of the lead and won 121-94. Victor came out after the game and banged the drum, and the crowd went wild!
The Spurs will remain in Austin for a couple more days, facing the Sacramento Kings on Saturday at the Moody Center. Then they’ll go on the road for five games, starting with the Pistons on February 23, including a key matchup against the Knicks on March 1, and finally returning home to San Antonio with a March 5 rematch against the Pistons. After the RRT concludes, the Spurs will be home for 13 of the remaining 21 games, which could be helpful for the Spurs as they attempt to rise in the playoff standings.