In a surprising turn of events during the 2025-26 NBA season, the San Antonio Spurs demonstrated their depth by securing a convincing victory without their star rookie.
Unexpected Lineup Change
The San Antonio Spurs faced the Sacramento Kings on Monday, November 17, 2025 (Philippine time) in what marked an important early-season matchup. However, the game took an unexpected turn when rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama was ruled out due to a calf injury.
This represented the first time in the young 2025-26 NBA season that the highly-touted French giant missed a game for the Spurs. Despite his absence from the court, the team managed to maintain their competitive edge.
Team Steps Up in Star's Absence
With Wembanyama sidelined, De'Aaron Fox rose to the occasion and delivered an exceptional performance for San Antonio. Fox dominated the game with a season-high 28 points and contributed 11 assists, leading the Spurs to a decisive 123-110 victory over the Sacramento Kings.
The final score reflects San Antonio's ability to adapt to challenging circumstances and secure an important win early in the season. The team's depth proved crucial as they handled the Kings with confidence despite missing their prominent big man.
Looking Ahead
The Spurs' ability to secure such a convincing win without Wembanyama demonstrates the team's resilience and depth. While the calf injury presents a temporary setback for the rookie, the organization will likely exercise caution with his recovery timeline.
This victory positions San Antonio favorably as they navigate the early portion of the NBA schedule, showing they can compete at a high level even when dealing with key player absences.
