Spurs Turn the Tide in Final Frame
The San Antonio Spurs secured a 122-106 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, October 24, at the American Airlines Center. The game’s decisive shift occurred in the fourth quarter, where the visitors dominated the home team 30-17. This late surge allowed the Spurs to pull away from a tight contest and secure their first win of the season, improving their record to 1-2.
The Mavericks, playing at home, fell to 1-2 after the loss.
Wembanyama and Fox Drive Offense
Victor Wembanyama was the standout performer for San Antonio, finishing with 23 points and seven rebounds. His presence in the paint and from beyond the arc was pivotal, including multiple alley-oop dunks and a 25-foot running jump shot in the second quarter. De'Aaron Fox provided the creative spark, dishing out a game-high nine assists.
The Spurs’ ball movement was evident, with players like Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell also contributing key baskets and three-pointers throughout the night.
Mavericks’ Early Momentum Fades
Dallas started strong, leading 31-32 after the first quarter and maintaining a competitive stance through the second. Sergio de Larrea led the Mavericks with 21 points, showing resilience with several jump shots and free throws. Daniel Gafford anchored the defense with nine rebounds, while Marcus Sasser recorded five assists.
However, the home team struggled to maintain their offensive rhythm in the second half. The Mavericks scored 29 points in the third quarter but were held to just 17 in the final period, a collapse that proved costly.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
The Spurs took a slight 32-31 lead after the first quarter. They extended their advantage to 68-60 by the end of the second. The game remained close into the third, with Dallas closing the gap to 89-87 before the final break.
In the fourth, the Spurs’ offense clicked, outscoring Dallas 30-17 to seal the 16-point victory. The attendance at American Airlines Center was 19,555, with fans witnessing a competitive matchup that ultimately favored the visitors' late-game execution.
Sources
ESPN
