Feb 26, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) drives to the basket against Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images You know the Spurs hav e reached a new level from even a month ago when they can look tired and a step slow, and still blow out a bad team (remember, playing down to opponents used to be a thing of theirs). After a hard-fought, exhausting win in Toronto the night before, the Spurs avoided a letdown game against the Brooklyn Nets by beginning the game strong and overcoming some rough stretches by spreading the wealth and riding the hot hand of the moment on their way to a 126-110 victory. Seven Spurs scored in double figures, led by 26 from the hometown kid Julian Champagnie on 10-14 shooting, 6-9 from three. Michael Porter, Jr. was cold in the first half but exploded in the second for the Nets, finishing with 25 points and 14 rebounds. Observations Ed Malloy has always been one of my least favorite refs in the league (egotistical, heavy with the technicals, etc.), and he reminded me why at tip-off. Nic Claxton was grabbing Victor Wembanyama and crossing into his territory, so there were lots stops to reset him. Then, when Malloy finally threw the jump ball, Claxton was draped all over Wemby, who still won it. However, instead of either letting it go and allowing the game to start or calling a foul on Claxton, Malloy decided to redo the throw. Wemby again won it, but come on, Ed! (I think I’m running out of basketball brain cells to want to type this all out.) The first quarter was a snooze fest, but in a good way because the Spurs were doing what they’re supposed to do: methodically (if unexcitedly) work down an inferior opponent. It lacked the excitement of recent games and opponents, but Devin Vassell remained hot, hitting is two three-point attempts, and Stephon Castle carved up the Nets’ putrid defense for 13 points in the quarter on the way to a 36-22 lead. The Spurs hit four straight threes to open the second quarter each from their two NY/NJ-area players in Champagnie and Dylan Harper, but things got for sloppy as the Spurs seemed to lose focus, and the Nets managed to cut what had been a 22-point lead down to 12. But, they again did what good teams do and got their act back together to regain control by halftime, behind 19 first-half points from Champagnie. The Spurs were again asleep at the wheel to start the third quarter as the Nets got within six while Porter Jr. got hot with 17 points in the quarter. This time, it was De’Aaron Fox’s turn to be the stabilizer with 10 points and initiating ball movement. That helped spark everyone else back into form, and five more made threes helped the Spurs get the lead back out to 20, and that was essentially the ball game with the fourth quarter being extended garbage time. Victor Wembanyama had his third straight off game on offense, although he wasn’t forcing things tonight. He finally got his first field goal late in the second quarter and finished with 12 points on 3-9 shooting, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocks. He mentioned after last night’s win in Toronto that he was tired from the lack of rest during All-Star weekend and he hadn’t slept well the night before. The back-to-back tonight probably didn’t help much in that regard, but they have two days off before they play the Knicks, followed by a quick train ride to Philadelphia, so hopefully the rest and lack of travel over the next several days helps him regain his rhythm. The win gives the Spurs their third undefeated month in franchise history (with a minimum of 10 games played). Their entire 11-game win streak has been within the month of February, with their last loss being the infamous snow game in Charlotte. Also, if they win the next two, they will sweep the Rodeo Road Trip. Who saw this happening coming into the season? ...read more read less