Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images Highlights from the Spurs win over the Brooklyn Nets The San Antonio Spurs experienced a Christmas hangover on Friday night after a battle against the New York Knicks on the 25th. They needed to overcome their slowest start of the season to take down the Brooklyn Nets, 96-87, improving to 16-15. There weren’t any highlights in the first quarter, except for a prayer that may have just given the Spurs the spark they needed. Keldon Johnson beats the 1Q buzzer from half court Spurs/Nets on NBA League Pass pic.twitter.com/9HtonpxQ8f— NBA (@NBA) December 28, 2024 Keldon Johnson saved the Spurs from what would have been an 8-point first quarter with a last-second heave. San Antonio would scratch and claw back in the second quarter, only to pull away down the stretch. After the game, Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson credited Johnson, Champagnie and Tre Jones for giving San Antonio the boost they needed. .@JulianChampagn2 with the big night back home! : 18 PTS | 5 3PM pic.twitter.com/D6im8l5wqm— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 28, 2024 Champagnie led the Spurs’ bench unit’s scoring attack with 18 points. The Brooklyn-native hit 5 three-pointers in his return home. The Spurs desperately needed his three-point shooting as they were 7-22 as a group without him. HB GOT pic.twitter.com/XoUPbndOka— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 28, 2024 The Spurs ball movement was on full display against the Nets as they racked up 26 assists. That starts and often finishes with Victor Wembanyama, who had 4 assists in the win. You’d be hard pressed to find many big men who can make this touch-pass lob in transition for a dunk. Jones gets the play started by pushing the pace – he finished with a team high 6 assists. One more to go! END 3 | SAS 74, BRK 62 pic.twitter.com/JM3JVcYaNM— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 28, 2024 Wembanyama’s passing has been one of the biggest developments in his game. His connection with Jeremy Sochan has been particularly encouraging, especially after so many claims that the two of them aren’t a basketball fit. Their chemistry is apparent on the court and off it. HE'S HEATIN' UP Vote #NBAAllStar https://t.co/ovVcT12eok pic.twitter.com/hrzkr2AltW— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 28, 2024 Wembanyama’s three-point shooting has made him an even more dynamic shooter. He’s hitting 36.1% of his deep shots this season. On Friday he hit three-straight threes to give the Spurs a lead that eventually won them the game. What’s even more beneficial is Wemby’s ability to make defenders leave their feet on his shot fake. Here we see the Nets defender aggressively attack Wembanyama’s spot-up attempt. Then he can get into a side-step three. OH MAMAAAA pic.twitter.com/b0MDAKuXu7— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 28, 2024 Wembanyama’s pump fake, Exhibit B. A hard close out leads to an easy jam for the Spurs star big man. He finished the game with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 6 blocks. powering up pic.twitter.com/X7J48mrd4Z— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 28, 2024 Sochan and Wembanyama’s connection down low is on display here. Sochan keeps his dribble and probes the defense, waiting for a lane to open up for Wembanyama who can soar to the hoop for a dunk. Have two good passers, cutters, and finishers in the front court helps San Antonio create great opportunities around the basket. Double-double for Jer!12 PTS | 11 REB pic.twitter.com/GAxr4r4eNi— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 28, 2024 Sochan continued his solid play with a double-double against Brooklyn. He had 12 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. Sochan’s finishing at the rim has been one of the biggest reasons for his success. He’s finishing through and around contact better than he did a season ago. Sochan is shooting 72% from 3-feet and in, up from 66% last season. Combine that with his motor and defensive-ability and you get one of the Spurs most valuable players. DEV COMIN' THROUGH Vote #NBAAllStar https://t.co/ovVcT12eok pic.twitter.com/MQPFo6JlzO— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 28, 2024 It hasn’t been the best stretch of play for Devin Vassell recently. He’s been inefficient and has struggled to make a scoring impact. He had just 10 points on 4-16 shooting on Friday. This play is what you’d like to see more of from Vassell. He aggressively attacks in the pick-and-roll, splits the defense and finishes hard at the rim. The Spurs will travel to Minneapolis for a rematch against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who blew out the Spurs in their last matchup. But before that, Wembanyama needs to get a few games of chess in. A good day for chess ♟️ https://t.co/kdlYt9Nwgm pic.twitter.com/NY1f4HJcCy— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 28, 2024 Check out full game highlights from the Spurs win on Friday, below.