Spurs beat Pistons as Wembanyama stars in potential Finals preview

Victor Wembanyama recorded 21 points and 17 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Detroit Pistons 114-103 to extend their winning streak to nine games.

Devin Vassell top-scored for the visitors with 28 points, but it was Wembanyama’s defensive presence that defined the contest in Detroit.

The French phenomenon added six blocks to his double-double performance.

San Antonio have now won a season-high nine consecutive matches.

They trail only the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference standings.

Spurs stifle Eastern leaders

The Eastern Conference-leading Pistons saw their own five-game winning run come to an abrupt halt.

Detroit star Cade Cunningham endured a difficult evening against the Spurs’ length, missing 21 of his 26 attempts from the field.

Despite his shooting woes, the playmaker managed to contribute 16 points and 10 assists.

San Antonio established control early, racing to a 14-2 lead to silence the home crowd.

Although the hosts briefly rallied to lead by three, the visitors opened the fourth quarter with seven unanswered points to seal the result.

This victory marked the Spurs’ fifth win this season against teams holding the league’s best record at the time.

Tempers flare in Detroit

Tensions boiled over during the second quarter following an offensive foul call against Cunningham.

Spurs forward Keldon Johnson and Pistons center Jalen Duren were both issued technical fouls after a heated exchange.

Duren, returning from a two-game NBA suspension, led the home side with 25 points and 14 rebounds.

His frontcourt partner Isaiah Stewart remained unavailable as he continues to serve a suspension for a recent altercation in Charlotte.

The Pistons must now regroup quickly before hosting the Thunder on Wednesday in another high-profile test.