San Antonio Against Milwaukee, End result: Spurs exploding against Bucks, Win 144-118

The spurs were desperate after finishing a rough Janaury on a high note, and the spurs came more focused and resolute than they have looked all month against a Milwaukee Bucks team that cooked them a few weeks before. After a close first half, Spurs exploded in the second and outscored Bucks 74-47 and got everything they wanted while making a one-point deficit for a 144-118 blowout victory.

Victor Wembanyama led six spores in double with 30 points, 14 rebounds and 6 blocks, while Giannis Antetokounmpo had 35 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists.

Observations

• Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way: the massive trade rumors that swirl around a potential four (or more!) Team trade that would bring de’aaron Fox to the spurs. While trading prat is part of the business, especially now that we are within a week of the deadline, it is definitely awkward to go into a game, and especially a back-to-back. It makes you wonder if this is the last time we see spurs with this particular list that we might see in a spurs uniform for the last time, etc.
• These trade interviews may have had the spurs motivated as everyone apparently came out with some extra pep and motivation. Keldon Johnson-a common source of trade rumors-effected even more reinforced than usual (if even possible) with 20 of his 24 points in the first half, including 4-5 from three and many drives to the edge. I just hope this is not the last thing we have seen of KJ in a spurs uniform (or close to it). He is one of the players he sometimes gets at times he gets at times is the heart of the closet room and I would be sorry to see him go.
• There was another change up in Wemby’s minute rotation tonight, where he subbed out with five minutes left in the first one, came back with just under 3 minutes left and then subbed again to start the second quarter. Then Jeremy Sochan had three mistakes and had to sit with 8:27 back in the second, but Stephon Castle came into his place and Spurs played a very small lineup until Wemby went back in with six minutes left. They actually kept their own despite Brook Lopez being out there and outscoring Bucks with one in that time.
• I will continue to advocate for the NBA to adopt a rule that allows unsolicited goals to tend to, offensive or defensive, be reviewed by Secaucus and updated on the next dead ball, equivalent to three-pointers. Either it or just adopt FIBA ​​rules and get rid of the target tournament together. Not that it means much, but this was the second game in a row when the opponent (Ivica Zubac for Clippers, Giannis for the Bucks) escaped with pretty obvious to tilt the ball back while it was still on the edge. On the bright side, Mitch Johnson successfully challenged a bad defensive goal that tends to Wemby a few minutes later!
• Castle has really raised his aggression in driving to the curve recently, and he was rewarded tonight with 10 free throw as part of a 20 -point, 8 rebound, 6 Assist performance. When he begins to learn to end this contact, he will be an unstoppable force. He also complimented his drives with a 3-6 night from three. Especially he and Chris Paul did a good job of finding each other in the corners.
• Giannis got hot in the fourth quarter after stumbling over Paul on a spin trait. Then he sat on the floor pointing and shouting “you!” At Paul, before he got up and starts a no-harm, without difference. He remained warm after the game, still shouting at Paul and delaying his interview with Dan Weiss. My only guess was that he thought Paul pushed him on the bad (he didn’t do it), or something had been said earlier, excitement was built and that was the boiling point. It was nevertheless bisarr.
• Although Spurs lost to Bucks at home last January, it was remembered as a turning point and trust amplifier for the team, plus it was symbolized by Wemby blocking Giannis. He got two on consecutive plays when Spurs reached out to a 12-2 lead early, and the budding rivalry between these two continued everywhere. But this time the spurs got a resounding victory, so here is to hope that it once again serves as a turning point when they seem to get past a tough Janaury Stretch and make a race for the autumn period.
• You know it’s your evening when things like this go in:

The spurs will be right back tomorrow night to take on Jimmy Butler-less Miami Heat for their last match before Rodeo Road Trip. Tip-off will be at. 7.30 pm at Kens 5.