Despite four Spurs players scoring in double figures, the San Antonio Spurs fell short in their second game of the season against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have swept the season series against the San Antonio Spurs. Following a two-point loss to the Cavaliers in Cleveland, the Spurs were destroyed 117-101 at home on Saturday night.
With 22 points, Devin Vassell led the Spurs, while Donovan Mitchell scored 31 for Cleveland. In addition, Victor Wembanyama contributed 19 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks. Both Zach Collins and Keldon Johnson scored well that evening, finishing with 10 and 17, respectively.
Focus on officiating
The primary focus was on the officiating, even though the Spurs were just 12-for-40 from beyond the arc and were unable to make a three. Both sides used challenges, and Johnson was called for a technical foul while hanging on the hoop. 32 free throw attempts were made by Cleveland and San Antonio combined, yet the Cavs were called for six more fouls than the Spurs.
The Spurs’ frustrations finally caught up to them with 54 seconds remaining. Collins gave Donovan Mitchell an elbow, and Mitchell sprang to his feet. After the two were rapidly separated, Collins was called for a flagrant-two foul and was removed from the game.
In response to loud cheers from the home fans at the Frost Bank Center, Mitchell was also ejected and threw his jersey into the crowd. All night, there had been a lot of tension between the teams and the officials.
As the game approached its never-quite conclusion, Bill Land was pleased to declare that “the nightmare is almost over.”
The Spurs will head to Miami on Wednesday to start their Rodeo Road Trip. Before heading back home on February 27, they have nine games scheduled for travel.
