NBA: Devin Vassell leads Spurs to take down of East-leading Pistons

Devin Vassell scored 28 points, including seven 3-pointers, as the visiting San Antonio Spurs extended their winning streak to nine games with a 114-103 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Monday.

Victor Wembanyama added 21 points, 17 rebounds, six blocks, and four assists, helping the Western Conference’s second-place Spurs overcome the Eastern Conference leaders.

Julian Champagnie contributed 17 points, while Stephon Castle finished with 16 points and 11 assists. De’Aaron Fox added 10 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.

For the Pistons, Jalen Duren led the way with 25 points and 14 rebounds. All-Star Cade Cunningham recorded 16 points and 10 assists but struggled from the field, making just 5 of 26 attempts. Ronald Holland came off the bench to score 15 points with 11 rebounds, Duncan Robinson added 13 points, and Paul Reed contributed 10 points.

Detroit, which had won five straight games, was held to 37.7% shooting overall and just 7 of 36 from 3-point range (19.4%).

Vassell started strong with three 3-pointers in the first two minutes. San Antonio jumped to a 12-point lead early, but Detroit responded and ended the first quarter ahead 27-24. The Spurs held a narrow 57-55 lead at halftime, with Vassell scoring 18 points and Champagnie adding 12. Holland led the Pistons with 11 points at the break.

A 13-2 run midway through the third quarter put San Antonio ahead 74-64. Castle scored eight points during the run, finishing with a three-point play. The Spurs led 83-75 going into the fourth quarter.

San Antonio opened the final period by scoring the first seven points to extend their lead to 15. Wembanyama made two free throws, Vassell hit a 3-pointer, and Castle added a layup. The Pistons cut the deficit to nine, but another Castle layup pushed the Spurs back ahead 105-93 with 3:45 remaining.

Wembanyama sealed the victory with seven points in the final 2:19, including two dunks, as San Antonio completed their ninth straight win.

—Field Level Media/Reuters