Devin Vassell led the Spurs over the Hawks (Photo via X)
Playing on the second night of a back-to-back, the San Antonio Spurs made quick work of the Atlanta Hawks and cruised to a 126-98 victory. The Spurs led by 13 points at the end of the first quarter and 24 points at halftime. The outcome of the contest was never in doubt in the second half, as the Spurs improved to 20-7 and the Hawks fell to 15-14.
Considering that the Spurs can swap first round picks with the Hawks during the 2026 NBA Draft, this win was doubly important.
Stats: Spurs at Hawks
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Spurs at Hawks – Final Grades
Victor Wembanyama
Coming off the bench yet again, Wembanyama was ridiculously impactful during his 21 minutes of action. He totaled 26 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while hitting 8-of-11 two-pointers and half of his four three-point attempts. Wembanyama wasted no time getting involved and he seemingly dominated every possession on both ends while he was on the hardwood. Offensively, he was uber aggressive and finished plays at a high level. Defensively, Wembanyama was all over the place. Considering how few minutes he played, the Frenchman couldn’t have done much better.
Grade: A
De’Aaron Fox
For the second consecutive game, Fox failed to crack double-digits. However, this was a much better performance. While he only scored eight points, Fox also tallied eight assists while taking good care of the ball. His playmaking was solid, he pushed the pace well and he played unselfishly. Fox’s defense was also a plus during his 22 minutes on the court.
Grade: B
Stephon Castle
This was another dominant performance by Castle. He set the tone defensive by taking his matchups personally and pressuring the ball with stubbornness. Offensively, Castle took great shots, exhibited tender touch, passed the ball very well and played with uncommon confidence. He’s playing at a very high level right now — let’s hope he keeps it up. The only thing holding him back a bit currently is a higher than necessary turnover rate.
Grade: A-
Devin Vassell
Playing in his home state, Vassell did great work. He led the starters with 18 points and did so in an efficient manner. He also rebounded very well, defended with vigor and brought swagger to both ends. When Vassell doesn’t hesitate and just plays with enthusiasm, he’s a difference-maker.
Grade: A-
Harrison Barnes
Barnes hit a three-pointer! That’s usually not a notable feat but he had missed 18 consecutive shots from downtown, including 12 in a row in Las Vegas during the NBA Cup. Other than that slump-busting three-pointer, Barnes didn’t do a whole lot against the Hawks. He rebounded better than usual and showed some life inside of the arc — but his defense was nothing to write home about and he seemed to be thinking too much on the offensive end.
Grade: C+
Luke Kornet
Starting at center, Kornet did good work. He was a monster on the boards and scored eight points in 18 minutes. His screen setting was masterful, he protected the rim and he limited his mistakes on both sides of the ball. When Wembanyama is off the court, Kornet is giving the Spurs a strong replacement at center.
Grade: B+
Dylan Harper
Harper had a few wow moments this game. His finishing was excellent, his passing was great, he made a lot of heady decisions and he played stout defense. Harper continues to look wise beyond his years and he’s one of the main reasons the Spurs have had so much success recently.
Grade: B+
Julian Champagnie
Champagnie quietly had a solid all-around outing. While he didn’t shoot great form the field (2-for-7, including 2-for-6 on threes), he chipped in on the glass (4), in the steals department (team-high 3) and passing-wise (3 assists). Even when his shots weren’t falling, Champagnie found ways to contribute.
Grade: B
Lindy Waters III
This might have been Waters’ best game of the season. I mean, yeah, he wasn’t needed to take down the Hawks but he nailed a couple of threes, played strong defense and never second-guessed himself.
Grade: B+
Keldon Johnson
Atlanta had no answer for Johnson. He used his strength to pour in 13 points in 16 minutes on 6-for-8 shooting from the field, including 1-for-1 on three-pointers. He also didn’t turn the ball over, which added to his ultimately efficient evening. When Johnson plays like this, he’s one of the better bench players in the association.
Grade: A-
Jordan McLaughlin
During garbage time, McLaughlin flashed some high-level craftiness with the ball. It’s a good reminder that a deep reserve like McLaughlin is still unbelievably good at the sport of basketball.
Grade: Inc.
Jeremy Sochan
Dang, this classifies as a big-time slump for Sochan. He hasn’t been playing much lately and he has barely produced anything positive when he does hit the floor. In Atlanta, he was scoreless in ten minutes and only pulled down a single rebound. In all areas of the game, Sochan seemingly lacks direction.
Grade: Inc.
Carter Bryant
The most notable moment of the game for Bryant was when he notched his second assist of the season.
Grade: Inc.
Kelly Olynyk
Olynyk was able to shake off some rust with a couple baskets during garbage time.
Grade: Inc.
Mitch Johnson
Johnson made sweeping this back-to-back look easy. He was able to limit minutes on both sides of the sweep. His strategy regarding when and how to utilize Wembanyama is paying off. He played more of the bench against the Hawks and San Antonio was able to avoid any lulls. Good stuff.
Grade: A-