Spurs stand up to Pistons’ physicality and keep rolling

The Spurs were not interested in getting pushed around.

San Antonio matched the Pistons’ physical approach with toughness and shot-making on Monday night, pulling away for a 114-103 road win that felt like more than just another regular-season result.

Victor Wembanyama finished with 21 points, 17 rebounds, and six blocks, even on a night when his shot was off. Devin Vassell carried the scoring load, pouring in 28 points while knocking down seven three-pointers as the Spurs hit 18 of their 40 attempts from deep.

“It’s definitely a night where we confirmed progression and confirmed potential,” Wembanyama told reporters. “That was a good test.”

San Antonio passed it.

Wembanyama went 6-of-16 from the floor, but the Spurs didn’t flinch. Three other players reached double figures, and the ball kept moving against a Detroit team that has made a habit of trying to impose its will.

“We know how talented Wemby is and how impactful he can be, but it’s not a one-man show over there,” Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “They have a bunch of talented perimeter players.”

The win extended San Antonio’s streak to a season-high nine straight. Only the defending champion Thunder currently sits ahead of them in the Western Conference.

Detroit, which had won five in a row before Monday, will get another measuring-stick game Wednesday when it hosts Oklahoma City. Another test. Another chance to see where it stands.

San Antonio already seems to know.