SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Victor Wembanyama had 22 points and nine rebounds to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 106-88 victory over the Utah Jazz on Thursday night.
Wembanyama also had seven assists, five steals, and five blocks, getting at least five in five categories for the second time in his career. Chris Paul added 19 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds for the Spurs.
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Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) guards San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (22), during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) passes the ball outside as San Antonio Spurs forward Zach Collins (23) defends, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski (22) breaks for the basket as San Antonio Spurs forward Zach Collins (23) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (22) is guarded by Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2), during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) guards Utah Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski (22), as San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) guards Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24), during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) takes the ball inside, as San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) and San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) looks for an outlet as Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Collin Sexton led the Jazz with 16 points, and John Collins added 14 points and 11 rebounds. Utah played without starting forward Lauri Markkanen who was out with back spasms.
Patty Mills made three straight 3-pointers to power a 13-0 run that gave Utah a 30-19 lead going into the second quarter. The Jazz did not trail again before halftime.
San Antonio erased a double-digit deficit twice and went ahead for good midway through the third behind a 12-0 run. Julian Champagine and Keldon Johnson combined for three baskets off steals over four possessions to cap the run and give the Spurs a 63-55 lead.
The Spurs led by 20 points in the fourth quarter.
Spurs: Wembanyama and Paul made all the difference in blowing open a close game with their ability to make plays all over the court.
Jazz: Generating consistent offense in Markkanen’s absence was a chore at times for Utah. The Jazz had too many empty possessions at critical junctures.
After the Jazz cut the deficit to 73-67 when Brice Sensabaugh drove for a layup, Utah scored just two baskets over the next 6 minutes. San Antonio pulled away for good behind a 19-6 run capped by three baskets by Paul.
Keyonte George committed a career-high seven turnovers. The Jazz finished with 26 turnovers overall, leading to 35 points for San Antonio.
The Spurs host Minnesota on Saturday while the Jazz visit Denver.
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) guards San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (22), during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) passes the ball outside as San Antonio Spurs forward Zach Collins (23) defends, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski (22) breaks for the basket as San Antonio Spurs forward Zach Collins (23) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (22) is guarded by Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2), during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) guards Utah Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski (22), as San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) guards Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24), during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) takes the ball inside, as San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) and San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) looks for an outlet as Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
