Reversal! Nets Five Tigers 76+25, Wen Ban Yan Ma 19+7+4+6, New Record Born, Spurs Recognize Reality
On December 28, 2024, Beijing time, the NBA regular season saw the 12-win and 18-loss Nets host the 15-win and 15-loss Spurs. The Nets were playing back-to-back games, having defeated the Bucks the previous day, while the Spurs had rested for two days, giving them an advantage in terms of physical energy. The Nets are aiming to tank this season to secure a high draft pick, whereas the Spurs are looking to make a playoff push. In terms of motivation, the Spurs seem to have the upper hand. Will they be able to win this game? The Spurs' starting lineup includes Paul, Vassell, Barnes, Sohan, and Wen Ban Yan Ma. On the Nets' side, Thomas, Johnson, Simmons, and several other key players are absent. Their starting lineup is Keane, Milton, Smith, Wilson, and Claxton.
In the first quarter, Keane and Wilson scored for the Nets, while Wen Ban Yan Ma and Vassell responded for the Spurs, resulting in a score of 5-4 in favor of the Spurs. Wilson, Claxton, and Milton added points for the Nets, while only Sohan managed to score from the free-throw line for the Spurs. The Nets took a 13-6 lead. Kelden made a mid-range shot, followed by consecutive scores from Claxton and Martin, increasing the lead to 14 points. Kelden hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer at the end of the first quarter, leaving the Nets leading 22-11.
In the second quarter, Shang Pani made a 3+1, Kelden made both free throws, and Shang Pani hit another three-pointer, giving the Spurs a 9-0 run and reducing the deficit to 2 points. Claxton made an alley-oop dunk, but Shang Pani, Jones, and Barnes scored 7 points in a row for the Spurs, allowing them to take a 3-point lead. After a timeout, Keane and Sharp scored for the Nets, while Sohan and Barnes responded for the Spurs, leveling the score. Milton hit a three-pointer, while Castle and Sohan made four out of three free throws, keeping the score tied. Smith made a layup, but Castle and Wen Ban Yan Ma responded for the Spurs, giving them a 2-point lead. Milton hit another three-pointer, and Paul made a mid-range shot, with Keane making one out of two free throws. At halftime, the score was tied at 41-41. The Spurs, who only scored 11 points in the first quarter, managed to score 30 points in the second quarter, finding their rhythm.
In the third quarter, Milton hit a three-pointer, followed by dunks from Sohan and Wen Ban Yan Ma, giving the Spurs a 1-point lead. Wilson and Keane scored for the Nets, while Barnes and Wen Ban Yan Ma responded for the Spurs, maintaining a 1-point difference. Milton made a free throw, while Wen Ban Yan Ma hit two consecutive three-pointers and Vassell also made a three-pointer, extending the Spurs' lead to 9 points. Kloney, Milton, and Martin scored for the Nets, but Kelden and Shang Pani responded for the Spurs, keeping the lead at 11 points. Kloney and Sharp scored again for the Nets, but Castle and Vassell responded for the Spurs. At the end of the third quarter, the Spurs led 74-62.
In the fourth quarter, Claxton made a 2+1 play, reducing the deficit to 9 points. Kelden and Shang Pani further increased the lead to 13 points. Keane hit a three-pointer, but Paul, Sohan, and Shang Pani responded for the Spurs, extending the lead to 17 points. Keane continued to score for the Nets, while Wen Ban Yan Ma and Vassell responded for the Spurs, maintaining a 14-point lead. Keane, Martin, and Wilson scored for the Nets, but Wen Ban Yan Ma and Kelden responded for the Spurs. The game ended with the Spurs defeating the Nets 96-87, achieving a comeback victory after trailing by 14 points.
Wen Ban Yan Ma scored 19 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, made 4 assists, and recorded 6 blocks, setting a new NBA record with 65 consecutive games with a block. Sohan had 12 points and 14 rebounds, while Shang Pani scored 18 points and 2 rebounds. Kelden had 15 points and 6 rebounds, and Vassell contributed 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, albeit with a low efficiency of only 4 out of 16 shots. Paul had 5 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 assists, with average stats but a positive contribution reflected in his +15 plus-minus value.
Keane made 10 out of 20 shots to score 25 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Milton had 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 12 assists, setting a personal record for assists this season. Claxton had 11 points and 10 rebounds, Martin scored 13 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, and Wilson added 11 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Although the Spurs won this game, it exposed some obvious problems. Their perimeter players still lack sufficient ability. If the Spurs want to become a strong team, they need to trade for an outstanding perimeter player.