Wembanyama fuels early surge in late start as Spurs overcome travel woes to beat Magic

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Victor Wembanyama had 25 points, eight rebounds and five blocks and San Antonio beat the Orlando Magic 112-103 Sunday night in a game that started five hours late because of the Spurs’ travel problems.

The Spurs were supposed to leave Charlotte after their 111-106 loss on Saturday, but had to stay overnight because of the storm that dropped nearly a foot of snow. The team then had a mechanical problem during the flight.

Announcement

Devin Vassell added 16 points for San Antonio. Dylan Harper scored 15 points and De’Aaron Fox had 14 points and 10 assists.

Desmond Bane scored 25 points for Orlando, and Paolo Banchero had 19 points and 10 rebounds. Orlando had won two in a row.

The Magic had been in San Antonio since Saturday following a 130-120 home win over Toronto. The Spurs weren’t so lucky.

The match was scheduled to kick off at 3pm but was pushed back to 6pm and then 8pm when Spurs returned home almost 24 hours later than expected.

The late start didn’t hinder the Spurs as they made their first three shots and seven of their first eight to build a double-digit lead. Five minutes later, Wembanyama made his first two attempts, forcing himself past Wendell Carter Jr. in the lane for a finger-roll layup and a two-handed slam.

Announcement

Wembanyama was cleared to play a half-hour before tip-off after being questionable due to left calf soreness.

San Antonio guard Stephon Castle missed the game with left adductor tightness.

Next

Magic: Tuesday night at Oklahoma City.

Spurs: Host Oklahoma City on Wednesday night.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA