Victor Wembanyama led San Antonio by Charlotte (Photo via X)
After a rare loss, the San Antonio Spurs bounced back in fine fashion with a 115-102 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. With Victor Wembanyama back following a one-game absence, the good guys took an early lead and then coasted to a victory while playing solid basketball on both ends of the court. The win improved San Antonio’s record to 49-18 on the season.
Stats: Spurs vs. Hornets
spurs hornets grades
spurs hornets grades
Spurs vs. Hornets – Final Grades
Victor Wembanyama
After sitting out a game due to ankle inflammation, Wembanyama looked great against the Hornets. He scored 32 points in 31 minutes, while adding 12 rebounds, eight assists and four blocks. He was 8-for-14 from two-point range, 5-for-10 from three-point land and turned it over only twice. His jumper looked smooth, he was explosive in the paint and his touch was pristine. The Frenchman also posted one of his better passing games of the season. Defensively, he was all over the place while also being stout on the boards. Wembanyama is truly playing MVP caliber basketball right now.
Grade: A
De’Aaron Fox
It wasn’t the prettiest game for Fox. He didn’t shoot well and his playmaking was substandard. But, to his credit, there were a couple silver linings. He hit his final two shots from the field to help put the game on ice and he turned it over just once for the entire contest. Defensively, he was more active than usual and had a leading role in clamping the Hornets. This game was nothing for Fox to write home about but it wasn’t all bad, either.
Grade: C
Stephon Castle
Castle had six turnovers and five fouls but he was nevertheless completely dominant while he was on the court. His passing was spectacular, his defense was relentless and his driving broke Charlotte’s defense. When Castle is playing with this level of force, he’s a legitimate beast. He finished the game with 15 points, ten assists and seven rebounds in less than 30 minutes and he was even better than those numbers suggest.
Grade: A-
Devin Vassell
Vassell was only 1-for-3 from three-point territory but he helped out offensively by hitting all four of his free throws, passing better than usual and keeping his mistakes to a minimum. Strangely, I thought Vassell turned down too many shots this game — an issue that he rarely encounters. Defensively, Vassell was good and he was especially locked in away from the ball.
Grade: B
Julian Champagnie
The good: Champagnie was 3-for-5 from two-point range, wreaked havoc defensively and made the right passes. He also went turnoverless in 33 minutes of action. The bad: Champagnie was 1-for-6 from downtown. His shot-selection could have also been a bit better.
Grade: C+
Harrison Barnes
Barnes ended up playing 22 minutes and, in retrospect, probably should have seen less playing time. He didn’t make a shot from the field. He was weak on the defensive glass. His all-around defensive play left much to be desired. Barnes wasn’t a total liability on offense but he doesn’t add much to the table when he’s this passive.
Grade: D+
Keldon Johnson
Johnson had another strong game and played like the valuable sixth man he is. He was 5-for-7 on two-pointers, 1-for-2 on three-pointers and didn’t turn the ball over. Johnson pulled down five rebounds and his physicality, enthusiasm and energy were all at palpable levels. He was at the center of a bench unit that was able to hold the fort.
Grade: B+
Luke Kornet
This was one of Kornet’s most productive outings as of late. All four of his buckets came in the second half and he looked more athletic than usual when finishing the attempts. Kornet added a pair of free throws, eight rebounds and an assist. His defense was a plus and, perhaps most importantly, his pairing with Wembanyama was successful on both ends of the court.
Grade: B+
Carter Bryant
Good stuff from Bryant. He was aggressive offensively, which translated into eight points in 16 minutes. He could have shot straighter but I liked that he didn’t hesitate when open. Bryant’s rebounding was helpful, he didn’t turn the ball over and his harassment level on defense was loud.
Grade: B+
Mitch Johnson
Coach Mitch put together another strong gameplan. His rotation was altered due to the absence of Dylan Harper (calf) but I liked that he gave more playing time to Bryant. His most questionable decision was playing Barnes 22 minutes — but that ultimately didn’t move the needle much in any direction.
Grade: B