The San Antonio Spurs fell to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night, losing 119-101. The Spurs had won their previous four games, but in the second half of a back-to-back, they fell short despite adding a key player back to the roster. The Spurs lost the lead early in the first quarter and never got it back.
Devin Vassell missed the entire winning streak with a bruised knee and made his return to the lineup, scoring 14 points in 21 minutes off the bench.
The Spurs’ scoring effort was led by VIictor Wembnayama’s 20 points. He added three blocks and ten boards for good measure. Reigning Western Conference player of the week Harrison Barnes continued to have the hot hand, scoring 19 points on 5-6 shooting from 3-point range.
The Lakers were led by rookie Dalton Knecht’s 20 points. He and Jared McCain are the frontrunners for Rookie of the Year, but Stephon Castle could make a case for himself. The fourth overall pick scored 10 points and dished seven assists, one short of his career high. Castle didn’t hit as many shots as he did against the Utah Jazz and Golden State Warriors, but he continues to carry himself like a seasoned veteran.
With five minutes left in the fourth quarter, Castle took LeBron James on under the hoop, switching hands for a crafty layup to put the Spurs within 13 points. It was the second time in as many games that he pulled the move on LeBron. While it didn’t do much in the way of a winning effort for the Spurs, it is a testament to Castle’s confidence as a rookie.
James only scored 16 points, but managed to record a triple-double with 10 rebounds and 11 blocks.
The Spurs will enjoy an off day on Thanksgiving before taking on the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. San Antonio falls to 0-2 on the season against the Lakers.
