The Streak Ends at Eight
Eight straight wins. Three consecutive victories over Oklahoma City, including Christmas Day. San Antonio was flying. Then Utah came along and reminded everyone that trap games exist.
"A guy who used to coach here used to say the basketball gods," Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said after the 127-114 loss. "We didn't obey them tonight."
The reference to Gregg Popovich was unmistakable. So was the message: San Antonio took this game lightly, and the Jazz made them pay.
Wembanyama Was Dominant—But Alone
Victor Wembanyama made his first start since November 14th, after coming off the bench in seven games following a calf injury. The French phenom reminded everyone why he's special: 32 points (12-for-21), 7 rebounds and 5 blocks in 28 minutes.
That's his 38th game with at least 5 blocks since entering the league—the most by any player over that span. At 21 years old, he's already making defensive history.
But Wembanyama didn't speak to the media after the loss. His frustration was visible on the court, especially on a ferocious dunk late in the fourth that got the Frost Bank Center buzzing despite the score.
"Personally, I feel like we tip-toed into the game," said Keldon Johnson, who scored a season-high 27 points off the bench. "It's a humbling loss."
Utah Played a Perfect First Half
The Jazz (12-19) had just beaten East-leading Detroit the night before. Lauri Markkanen (29 points) and Keyonte George (28 points) dictated the pace from the opening tip.
The numbers from the first half were brutal for San Antonio: Utah shot 68.4% from the floor, 60% from three. The Spurs trailed by 10 at halftime and never found an answer.
This was San Antonio's worst home loss of the season, and their first defeat against a sub-.500 team after going 13-0 in those matchups.
What It Means
San Antonio (23-8) remains third in the West, three games behind Oklahoma City. But this loss exposes a depth issue.
Without De'Aaron Fox (adductor tightness), the Spurs lacked a reliable playmaker. Dylan Harper dished out a career-high 12 assists, but the offense lacked fluidity.
Cleveland visits Monday. How San Antonio responds will tell us a lot about their championship aspirations. Because if this team wants to compete for a title, they need to handle the games they're supposed to win.