The San Antonio Spurs deployed a relentless defensive scheme, double-teaming and hounding Kevin Durant to limit his scoring options and disrupt Houston's offense.
The San Antonio Spurs defended the Frost Bank Center on Sunday night, blowing out the Houston Rockets 145-120. Victor Wembanyama led the charge on both ends of the court, although San Antonio enjoyed double-digit outings from six different players.
The Spurs entered the game knowing that Kevin Durant is the only reliable multi-level scorer in Houston's starting five, and threw Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, Keldon Johnson, Julian Champagnie, Devin Vassell, and Carter Bryant all his way.
More often than not, the superstar was double-teamed, and even receiving the ball was a challenge.
How Spurs Stifled Durant, Rockets
Durant is one of the best scorers of all time, and he still managed to post 23 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the floor. However, he only attempted three 3-pointers, in large part thanks to the Spurs guarding him full-court, even when he didn't have the ball.
"Kevin Durant specifically is tough because you're trying to be physical and take things away," outlined Mitch Johnson after the game. "But you've got to make sure you can't be off balance or out of position or get your hand caught in the cookie jar."
Eight of Durant's points came at the free-throw line, and his 12 total shot attempts were the lowest since well before the All-Star Break. The Spurs didn't shy away from physicality.
"You may foul Kevin Durant trying to be physical, but let's not have an undisciplined foul," Johnson added.
The effort clearly paid off, as Durant was both gassed and frustrated by the time the Spurs stamped the game close in the fourth quarter. He tried to take it out on Luke Kornet, although he got met at the rim, drawing a foul.
Durant's first season with the Rockets hasn't quite gone as planned, despite boasting the third-best record in the Western Conference. They are clearly lagging behind both San Antonio and Oklahoma City, and leaked messages over the All-Star Weekend suggested that Durant is underwhelmed by the talent he is surrounded by.
Remember, over the offseason, some fans were clamoring for the Spurs to add Durant. While the argument was easy to understand, it's safe to say the entire fan base is thrilled that the front office didn't give in, opting instead to lean into defense and youth.
