Pounding The Rock
For all your Manu Ginobili loving and San Antonio Spurs news
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Spurs haunt Timberwolves in 121–111 Halloween thriller
The San Antonio Spurs snap a 0-2 start with a Halloween‑night 121–111 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center. Victor Wembanyama leads the charge, scoring 43 points—including 24 in the first half—and pulling down key rebounds, while De’Aaron Fox adds 22 points, seven boards and six assists. Despite early defensive lapses and a halftime lead slip, the Spurs pull away in the fourth quarter, outscoring Minnesota 28‑23. Guard Stephon Castle plays through a migraine, and rookie Dylan Harper contributes crucial shooting. Minnesota, missing Anthony Edwards and others, relies on LaMelo Ball, who fouls out after 10 points and eight rebounds. The victory marks the Spurs' fourth straight win.
San Antonio vs. Minnesota, Final Score: Spurs tame the Timberwolves 121-111
The San Antonio Spurs defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 121‑111 on Oct. 31, 2026, at the Frost Bank Center. Victor Wembanyama leads the way with a career‑highlight 43 points, while De’Aaron Fox adds 22 points and eight rebounds to keep the Spurs organized. Minnesota stays competitive thanks to Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert (who later exits with a sore back), and a strong fourth‑quarter effort from a rested LaMelo Ball before he fouls out. Bench contributors Asayo Dosunmo and Jaden Daniels spark the Wolves, and the Spurs’ secondary players—Carter Bryant and others—provide crucial scoring as the lead ebbs and flows before the Spurs pull away in the second half.
It’s time for Basketball: San Antonio Spurs vs Minnesota Timberwolves
The Spurs host the Timberwolves on Oct. 31, 2026 in a Western Conference semifinals preview. Minnesota will be without Anthony Edwards after knee surgery, but rely on LaMelo Ball and Jaden McDaniels after a 127‑101 win over the Clippers. San Antonio, still early in the season at 3‑2, looks to lock in its three‑guard rotation and await Tobias Harris’s debut. The game streams exclusively on DAZN at 7:00 PM CT.
60 Minutes Archive: Before the Alien, there was The Admiral
The October 31 post revisits 60 Minutes’ 1992 feature on David "The Admiral" Robinson, the first Spurs star profiled by the news show. Correspondent Ed Bradley paints Robinson as “part Baryshnikov, part bull,” highlighting his Naval Academy commitment, deep community work, and Christian‑rooted values. The segment shows Robinson inspiring fifth‑graders, founding the Carver Academy charter school, and includes interviews with his parents, a nostalgic "Mister Robinson’s Neighborhood" ad, and anecdotes about Coach Larry Brown’s colorful language. The article offers a glimpse of this iconic profile and invites fans to watch the full story.
Open Thread: Stephen A. Smith goes on a rant regarding Kawhi Leonard
Stephen A. Smith ignites controversy on First Take by labeling Kawhi Leonard the "worst superstar in sports" and accusing him of getting paid without working, amid Leonard's knee swelling that sidelines him early in the 2026‑27 NBA season. The rant follows Leonard's 2025 trade request from the Clippers and his move to the Toronto Raptors, which sparked investigations into alleged salary‑cap violations. Fans and Spurs supporters have flooded social media with memes and criticism of Smith's tirade, reigniting debate over Leonard's status as a true superstar. The post invites readers to join the discussion in the Spurs community thread.
Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs Minnesota Timberwolves
The Spurs (3-2) visit the injury‑hit Timberwolves (4-2) on Oct. 31, with Victor Wembanyama leading San Antonio’s recent three‑game winning streak. Minnesota is without Anthony Edwards (knee surgery) and Dante DiVincenzo, while the Spurs lack Tobias Harris (calf). Wembanyama has been dunking at a career‑high, averaging 19.8 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks in the previous playoff series against Minnesota, but will face former DPOY Rudy Gobert in the paint. LaMelo Ball steps in as the Wolves’ new playmaker, but his impact remains uncertain. The line favors the Spurs by 11.5 points, and the preview examines how the Spurs can capitalize on Minnesota’s depleted roster.
Our first impressions of the 2026/27 Spurs
The Spurs sit at 3‑2 early in the 2026/27 season, showing flashes of greatness but lacking consistency. Analysts agree the young squad, fresh from a Finals run, is still adjusting to new expectations and a three‑guard lineup featuring Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama. While Castle’s three‑point shooting looks promising, concerns linger about size, bench production and the sustainability of the guard‑heavy sets. Tobias Harris’s imminent return could reshape rotations, possibly benching one of the trio. Overall, experts see early growing pains but remain optimistic about the team’s development.
Open Thread: Tim Duncan makes two unexpected appearances
During the Spurs' October 30, 2026 game in Salt Lake City, rookie Victor Wembanyama sported a Tim Duncan t‑shirt, sparking playful banter from former teammate Sean Elliott on Spurs Live. The tribute was just one of two Duncan sightings this week: the retired five‑time champion was also photographed voting early in San Antonio’s Northside Independent School District with his partner Vanessa Macias. Fans noted the rare public appearances of the former GOAT power forward, while early voting wraps up ahead of the November 3 election. The post invites the Spurs community to discuss the moments.
What we learned from the Spurs win over the Jazz
The Spurs edged the Utah Jazz in a nail‑biting October 28 contest, holding on to a six‑point lead thanks to Victor Wembanyama’s late‑game return. While the new starting line‑up, reshaped by Dylan Harper’s rise, has struggled for consistency, the bench—especially Luke Kornet—has looked lost without the rookie’s steady hand. Coach Will Hardy’s timeout allowed Wemby back in and prompted a surprising substitution of Keldon Johnson for sharpshooter Julian Champagnie. The win highlighted San Antonio’s reliance on Wemby and exposed lingering roster growing‑pains.
Highlights: Spurs rally behind Victor Wembanyama in win over the Jazz
The San Antonio Spurs defeat a shorthanded Utah Jazz in overtime, fueled by Victor Wembanyama’s 36 points and 14 rebounds. Devin Vassell adds a season‑high 21 points, while the team forces 14 steals, with Wembanyama, Vassell and De’Aaron Fox each recording three. Highlights include Wembanyama’s dunk, Fox’s fake pump and a no‑look pass from Keldon Wilder Johnson. The win, posted on October 28 at the Delta Center, keeps the Spurs early‑season momentum as they prepare to host their next opponent.
Open Thread: Champagnie’s unparalleled prowess
Julian Champagnie lights up the Spurs with a franchise‑tying eight three‑pointers in just 13 minutes against the Sacramento Kings, joining an elite group of seven NBA players who average 3+ made threes per game while shooting 45% or better. He also ranks among 22 players recording three or more combined steals and blocks per game, showcasing rare 3‑and‑D impact. Benefiting from constant defensive focus on Victor Wembanyama, Champagnie finds open looks and can strike from anywhere beyond the arc. The Spurs face the injury‑hit Minnesota Timberwolves on Halloween, with Anthony Edwards sidelined.
Spurs outlast Jazz to extend win streak to three
The San Antonio Spurs edged the Utah Jazz 117-111 in overtime on Oct. 28, extending their win streak to three. Victor Wembanyama led the way with a dominant 36 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists, fueling fast‑break dunks and pick‑and‑rolls that proved decisive. Utah, shorthanded by the injuries to Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr., leaned on Keaton George’s 10 early points but couldn’t contain Wembanyama’s impact. Guard Harper struggled, shooting 4‑for‑17 for 13 points, while the Spurs’ defense showed lapses throughout the game. Despite a chaotic finish and a brief lead in OT, San Antonio pulled ahead and will aim for a fourth straight win against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday.
San Antonio vs. Utah, Final Score: Spurs play a dissonant note against the Jazz in 117-111 overtime win
In an overtime thriller at the Delta Center, the San Antonio Spurs edged the Utah Jazz 117-111 on Oct. 28, 2026. Jazz rookie Keyonte George exploded for 31 points, while Darryn Peterson shined before an elbow clash with Victor Wembanyama forced his exit. The Spurs, sluggish early, rallied in the second half behind Devin Vassell’s fourth‑quarter push and Wembanyama’s two‑way dominance, forcing OT and sealing the win with a late defensive surge. The game highlighted the Jazz’s young talent stepping up amid injuries and the Spurs’ quest for true home‑court advantage as the season unfolds.
It’s time for Basketball: San Antonio Spurs at Utah Jazz
The San Antonio Spurs head to the Delta Center on Oct. 28 for a preseason showdown with Will Hardy’s Utah Jazz. After a dominant back‑to‑back win over the Sacramento Kings, the Spurs are rested and largely injury‑free, except for the still‑out Tobias Harris. The Jazz, 1‑3 this season, miss Jaren Jackson Jr. and list Lauri Markkanen and Jaxson Hayes as questionable, with Mo Bamba filling in. The preview predicts a “winnable” game for the Spurs, highlighting a potential 5‑guard lineup featuring Ja’Kobi Gillespie and David Jones‑Garcia. The game streams exclusively on DAZN at 8 p.m. CT.
What We Learned from the Spurs win over the Kings
The San Antonio Spurs cruise past the Sacramento Kings in a preseason rout on Oct. 27, 2026, showcasing a well‑executed attack that includes Julian Champagnie draining eight threes off the bench and Victor Wembanyama dominating the paint. The win, described as routine and effortless, underscores the Spurs' readiness while the author muses on broader league oddities—from the Knicks’ 0‑3 start as defending champs to injury woes affecting the Thunder, Wolves, and Kawhi Leonard. Amid the preseason haze, the Spurs’ performance offers a reassuring glimpse of cohesive play ahead of the regular season.
Julian Champagnie catches fire as Spurs beat Kings
Julian Champagnie ignites the San Antonio Spurs in a 130-103 rout of the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 27, 2026. The wing storms the first half with eight three‑pointers, tying his franchise record for threes in a half and boosting the team’s three‑point shooting to 45.9% (17‑of‑37). Champagnie finishes with 26 points on 8‑of‑13 from deep. Victor Wembanyama adds 29 points, ten rebounds and multiple dunks, while Devin Vassell contributes 14 points and four triples. The Kings’ defensive lapses, especially against Stephon Castle’s drive, leave the Spurs wide open all night. The win sets up a Wednesday showdown with the Utah Jazz.
Open Thread: Catching up with Wemby’s rise in the NBA’s blocks leaders
Victor Wembanyama bursts onto the 2026‑27 NBA season as the league’s blocks leader, averaging just over four per game in his first four outings. After posting six blocks vs. Oklahoma City, two against Houston, four in Dallas and five against Sacramento, he’s already climbed the all‑time blocks leaderboard, moving from 224th at the end of 2025‑26 to a tie for 211th with Carmelo Anthony. The article lists the 13 players he passed, including Kobe Bryant and Andre Iguodala, and notes that 30 active players still rank above him as he chases the title of greatest blocker ever.
Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Utah Jazz
The Spurs aim for a third straight win as they travel to Salt Lake City to face a injury‑hit Utah Jazz on Oct. 28 at 8 PM CT. San Antonio (2‑2) has tightened its defense, forcing turnovers and generating fast‑break points, while Utah (1‑3) struggles with ball control, averaging 17 turnovers per game and missing key frontcourt players including Jaren Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen and Jaxson Hayes. Victor Wembanyama, fresh off a 29‑point performance, looks to dominate the rim against a thin Jazz interior. The Spurs must maintain pressure on the perimeter and dictate a faster pace to pull ahead of .500 for the first time this season. The game streams on DAZN and airs on WOAI 1200 AM.
Spurs rout shorthanded Kings for second consecutive win
The San Antonio Spurs bounce back with a dominant 130-107 win over a shorthanded Sacramento Kings, posting their second straight victory. A 41‑point second quarter fuels the triumph as Victor Wembanyama delivers a season‑best 29 points and 10 rebounds, while Julian Champagnie adds 26, shooting 8‑for‑13 from three. Seven Spurs score in double figures, with the bench contributing 40 points and the team shooting 54 percent overall and a season‑high 46 percent from deep. The Kings, now 0‑4, rely on Domantas Sabonis' 20‑point, 14‑rebound effort, but fall short.
San Antonio vs. Sacramento, Final Score: Spurs dismantle shorthanded Kings in 130-103 win
The San Antonio Spurs cruise to a 130-103 victory over a shorthanded Sacramento Kings in their season’s second win, snapping back to .500. Victor Wembanyama leads with 29 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks, while Julian Champagnie adds 26 off the bench, hitting eight first‑half threes. Devin Vassell records a season‑high eight assists as the Spurs build a 26‑point halftime lead and never look back. The Kings, missing key frontcourt players, struggle defensively and manage only 103 points despite Domantas Sabonis' effort. The win underscores San Antonio’s strong start and the growing talent gap between the teams.
It’s time for Basketball: San Antonio Spurs vs Sacramento Kings
The Spurs face the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 27, 2026 at 7 PM CT in a preseason showdown streamed on DAZN. After a 122‑106 win over a short‑handed Mavericks and a 126‑97 blowout of the Kings on Oct. 16, San Antonio looks poised for another easy victory, though the Kings sit at 1‑2 and are missing Ben Simmons after an Achilles tear. Veteran guard De’Aaron Fox earned a surprise ejection after a sideline incident with Domantas Sabonis. Expect a dominant Spurs performance as they aim to capitalize on the Kings’ injuries and inconsistency.
Open Thread: Devin Vassell donates shoes to Harlandale High School basketball teams
Spurs forward Devin Vassell made a surprise visit to Harlandale High School in Dallas, donating shoes—A’ja Wilson models for the girls and Devin Booker models for the boys—and a $10,000 cash gift to the varsity basketball programs on October 26, 2026. Vassell praised the community, saying his goal is to show fans they’re “just like them.” The gesture aims to boost the teams’ upcoming season and highlights the Spurs’ ongoing local outreach.
Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Sacramento Kings
The Spurs, fresh off snapping a winless streak with a win over Dallas, face a struggling Sacramento Kings on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. CT. The Kings sit 0‑3 and rank near the bottom in every major metric—including net rating, defensive rating and assists—after early losses to Portland, the Clippers and the Grizzlies. Meanwhile, San Antonio (1‑2) hopes to climb toward .500, especially if former King De’Aaron Fox heats up against a guard‑thin Sacramento backcourt. Injuries to Tobias Harris (calf) and Jayden Quaintance (knee) for the Spurs, and Keegan Murray (ankle) and Ben Simmons (Achilles) for the Kings add intrigue. The game streams on DAZN and airs on WOAI 1200 AM.
Thunder’s Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace likely to miss the rest of the season
The Oklahoma City Thunder announce that forward Jalen Williams and guard Cason Wallace will miss the rest of the 2026-27 season after surgery for serious injuries suffered against the Clippers. Williams dislocated his ankle and fractured his fibula, a injury that kept Gordon Hayward out for a year, while Wallace tore the labrum in his left shoulder, similar to Ja Morant's 2024 injury. Their absence removes two starters, including former All-Star Williams, and shifts West‑conference odds in favor of the Spurs and other contenders. The Thunder still have Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander and Chet Holmgren, but cap‑heavy contracts limit immediate upgrades.
Week in Review: Spurs get out to a rough start to the 2026-27 season
The San Antonio Spurs stumble out of the gate, dropping their first two games (104-116 to OKC, 110-114 to Houston) before snapping a win 106-122 at Dallas against a depleted Mavericks squad. Victor Wembanyama struggles with his shot (2‑for‑13 vs. Thunder, 5‑for‑28 overall) and rookie Jaylen Williams suffers a likely season‑ending leg injury. Coach Mitch Johnson’s new three‑guard lineup (De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper) shows mixed results, posting a modest +1.4 net rating but the team shoots only 41.5% overall and 28.1% from three. The Spurs sit 1‑2, ninth in the West, with a softer 12‑game stretch ahead that could lift them toward the top of the conference.
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