The resurgent San Antonio Spurs aim to win their fourth consecutive game and strengthen their position in the NBA Cup when they face the Utah Jazz on Tuesday in a West Group B matchup in Salt Lake City.
The Spurs, currently 1-1 in the group stage, have lost to the Los Angeles Lakers and defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder. Meanwhile, Utah is 0-2, with losses to the Phoenix Suns and the Lakers. Both teams will have one more group stage game after Tuesday’s clash.
San Antonio heads into this road game after playing eight of their last nine games at home.
The Spurs won six of those home games, most recently securing a thrilling 104-94 victory over Golden State on Saturday. San Antonio overcame a 17-point deficit, outscoring the Warriors by 20 in the fourth quarter.
Victor Wembanyama scored 25 points, along with nine assists, seven rebounds, and three blocks in his return after missing three games due to a bruised knee. Rookie Stephon Castle contributed 19 points, including six during a crucial late run, while Harrison Barnes added 22 points. San Antonio played without Devin Vassell (knee) and Keldon Johnson (hamstring).
The Spurs limited Golden State to just 13 points in the final period.
San Antonio has won two of three games against the Jazz this season, most recently earning a 126-118 home victory on Thursday. Utah followed that game with perhaps their best win of the season, a 121-106 victory over the New York Knicks on Saturday, led by Lauri Markkanen’s 34 points.
Collin Sexton added 25 points and made six 3-pointers for the Jazz in the win. John Collins posted 20 points and 13 rebounds, Walker Kessler contributed 11 points and 10 boards, and Keyonte George had 11 points and nine assists. Johnny Juzang chipped in 12 points to round out Utah’s double-digit scorers.
Utah outshot New York 50.6 percent to 39 percent overall and made 19 of 34 attempts from 3-point range (55.9 percent). The Jazz also won the rebounding battle 52-40, ending a four-game losing streak.
