NBA: Spurs put 8 in double figures, demolish short-handed 76ers

Devin Vassell and Dylan Harper each scored 22 points as the San Antonio Spurs wrapped up a five-game road trip with a 131-91 rout of the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday.

After suffering a 25-point loss to the New York Knicks on Sunday, San Antonio bounced back with a 55.1% shooting effort to secure their 12th win in 13 games. Eight Spurs scored in double figures, including Stephon Castle with 15 points and 10 assists, and Victor Wembanyama, who added 10 points, eight rebounds, six blocks, and three steals.

Vassell was especially efficient, making 6 of 8 from beyond the arc as San Antonio shot 40% (18 of 45) from 3-point range. Philadelphia struggled from outside, hitting just 10 of 42 shots (23.8%) and finishing with a 34.7% shooting night overall.

Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 21 points while Jabari Walker added 20. Philadelphia played without key players Joel Embiid (oblique), Paul George (suspension), and Kelly Oubre Jr. (illness). VJ Edgecombe left the game with a back injury at the end of the first half and did not return.

San Antonio started fast, scoring the first nine points of the game. Philadelphia eventually tied it at 22-22, but the Spurs outscored the Sixers 10-3 down the stretch in the first quarter, capped by a Harper 3-pointer, taking a 32-25 lead after one period.

Midway through the second quarter, Julian Champagnie hit a 3-pointer to give San Antonio a 47-36 advantage. That basket was part of a 16-0 run, which included seven points from Vassell and ended with a 3-pointer from Carter Bryant, putting the Spurs firmly in control. Vassell finished the second quarter with 13 points as San Antonio led 78-53 at halftime.

The Spurs continued their dominance in the second half, opening the third quarter with a 20-4 run. De’Aaron Fox’s layup made it 98-57, but San Antonio kept pressing, finishing the period ahead 113-64. Philadelphia managed just 4 of 22 shooting in the quarter and was outscored 35-11.

Although the Sixers opened the fourth quarter on a 14-2 run, the outcome was never in doubt as San Antonio cruised to a 40-point victory.

-Field Level Media/Reuters