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Wembanyama returns from three-game absence to help Spurs rally past Warriors, 104-94

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Wembanyama returns from three-game absence to help Spurs rally past Warriors, 104-94
Sport

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Wembanyama returns from three-game absence to help Spurs rally past Warriors, 104-94

2024-11-24 12:33 Last Updated At:12:41

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Victor Wembanyama scored 25 points, Harrison Barnes had 22 and the San Antonio Spurs overcame a 17-point third-quarter deficit to beat the Golden State Warriors 104-94 on Saturday night.

Trailing 81-64 with 1:55 left in the third quarter, San Antonio closed the game on a 40-13 run to win three straight for the first time since January 2021.

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after a 3-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after a 3-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

San Antonio Spurs' Harrison Barnes (40) tangles with Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) and Gary Payton II (0) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

San Antonio Spurs' Harrison Barnes (40) tangles with Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) and Gary Payton II (0) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

Golden State Warriors' Gary Payton II (0) goes to the basket against San Antonio Spurs' Harrison Barnes (40) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

Golden State Warriors' Gary Payton II (0) goes to the basket against San Antonio Spurs' Harrison Barnes (40) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham, center, tangles with Golden State Warriors' Brandin Podziemski, right, and Buddy Hield, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham, center, tangles with Golden State Warriors' Brandin Podziemski, right, and Buddy Hield, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

San Antonio Spurs' Tre Jones (33) drives against Golden State Warriors' Brandin Podziemski, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

San Antonio Spurs' Tre Jones (33) drives against Golden State Warriors' Brandin Podziemski, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

Golden State Warriors' Trayce Jackson-Davis (32) goes to the basket against San Antonio Spurs' Harrison Barnes (40) and Victor Wembanyama, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

Golden State Warriors' Trayce Jackson-Davis (32) goes to the basket against San Antonio Spurs' Harrison Barnes (40) and Victor Wembanyama, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama, left, drives against Golden State Warriors' Brandin Podziemski (2) and Kevon Looney, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama, left, drives against Golden State Warriors' Brandin Podziemski (2) and Kevon Looney, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

Wembanyama added nine assists, seven rebounds and three blocks in his return from a three-game absence with a bruised right knee.

San Antonio rookie Stephon Castle added 19 points and stole the dribble from Golden State's Stephen Curry behind the 3-point line with 1:46 remaining to preserve an eight-point lead.

Andrew Wiggins had 20 points and Curry had 14 points for the Warriors, who had won two straight. Trayce Jackson-Davis added 12 points and eight rebounds.

San Antonio went on an 11-0 run for a 97-90 lead with Castle and Wembanyama accounting for all but two points. Golden State was held scoreless for 4 1/2 minutes and did not make a field goal for 5:19.

Warriors: Golden State's bench, which was averaging 54 points, was held to 36 points.

Spurs: Prior to its fourth quarter surge, San Antonio’s only previously led for 22 seconds. Barnes hit the opening basket on a cutting layup 21 seconds into the first quarter. Golden State then went on an 11-0 run for a 20-8 lead.

Castle scored on a driving layup with 4:25 remaining to spark the Spurs' closing run. He followed that with a 3-pointer from 27 feet, Wembanyama drained a 3 from 31 feet and Castle made one of two free throws to put the Spurs up 97-90 with 2:28 remaining.

San Antonio outscored Golden State 33-13 in the final quarter.

Warriors: Play host to Brooklyn on Monday night.

Spurs: At Utah on Tuesday night.

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after a 3-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after a 3-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

San Antonio Spurs' Harrison Barnes (40) tangles with Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) and Gary Payton II (0) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

San Antonio Spurs' Harrison Barnes (40) tangles with Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) and Gary Payton II (0) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

Golden State Warriors' Gary Payton II (0) goes to the basket against San Antonio Spurs' Harrison Barnes (40) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

Golden State Warriors' Gary Payton II (0) goes to the basket against San Antonio Spurs' Harrison Barnes (40) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham, center, tangles with Golden State Warriors' Brandin Podziemski, right, and Buddy Hield, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham, center, tangles with Golden State Warriors' Brandin Podziemski, right, and Buddy Hield, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

San Antonio Spurs' Tre Jones (33) drives against Golden State Warriors' Brandin Podziemski, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

San Antonio Spurs' Tre Jones (33) drives against Golden State Warriors' Brandin Podziemski, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

Golden State Warriors' Trayce Jackson-Davis (32) goes to the basket against San Antonio Spurs' Harrison Barnes (40) and Victor Wembanyama, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

Golden State Warriors' Trayce Jackson-Davis (32) goes to the basket against San Antonio Spurs' Harrison Barnes (40) and Victor Wembanyama, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama, left, drives against Golden State Warriors' Brandin Podziemski (2) and Kevon Looney, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama, left, drives against Golden State Warriors' Brandin Podziemski (2) and Kevon Looney, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

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Banda’s goal leads Pride over Spirit 1-0 for NWSL championship

2024-11-24 12:22 Last Updated At:12:30

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Barbra Banda scored in the 37th minute to give the Orlando Pride their first National Women’s Soccer League championship with a 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit on Saturday night.

Banda dribbled into the right side of the box and made a move past a defender before kicking the ball on the ground with her left foot and past the goalkeeper. She became the first player in the NWSL to score in each round of the playoffs.

The Pride's Angelina was nearly called for a push before passing it to Banda, but the VAR determined that the play was fair.

The Spirit (20-7-2) controlled the game and outshot the Pride 25-9, had two more shots on goal and held onto possession 58% of the time. Rosemonde Kouassi had Washington’s best chance in the 47 minute when she headed a ball from about 10 yards away.

Orlando's win gave Brazilian star Marta her first NWSL title.

Top-seed Orlando (21-6-2) went unbeaten in its first 23 matches, a league record. They beat the Kansas City Current in the semifinals before hoisting the trophy at CPKC Stadium, their home field.

Orlando is the first team since 2019 to win the Shield and the title in the same year.

Washington had won its last five playoff games when trailing at the half, but that streak was broken with this loss.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda (22) runs past Washington Spirit defender Tara McKeown (9) during the second half of the NWSL championship at CPKC Stadium, Saturday, November 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda (22) runs past Washington Spirit defender Tara McKeown (9) during the second half of the NWSL championship at CPKC Stadium, Saturday, November 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda, center, raises her MVP trophy after the team defeated the Washington Spirit in the NWSL championship soccer game at CPKC Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda, center, raises her MVP trophy after the team defeated the Washington Spirit in the NWSL championship soccer game at CPKC Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Orlando Pride forward Marta (10) and Washington Spirit midfielder Leicy Santos (10) battle for the ball during the first half of the NWSL championship at CPKC Stadium, Saturday, November 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Orlando Pride forward Marta (10) and Washington Spirit midfielder Leicy Santos (10) battle for the ball during the first half of the NWSL championship at CPKC Stadium, Saturday, November 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Washington Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury, in grey, clears the ball during the first half of the NWSL championship at CPKC Stadium against the Orlando Pride, Saturday, November 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Washington Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury, in grey, clears the ball during the first half of the NWSL championship at CPKC Stadium against the Orlando Pride, Saturday, November 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina, left, battles Washington Spirit midfielder Hal Hershfelt, right, for a ball during the first half of the NWSL championship at CPKC Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina, left, battles Washington Spirit midfielder Hal Hershfelt, right, for a ball during the first half of the NWSL championship at CPKC Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Orlando Pride forward Marta (10) leaps into the air to make a play on a ball in front of Washington Spirit midfielder Hal Hershfelt, right, during the first half of the NWSL championship at CPKC Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Orlando Pride forward Marta (10) leaps into the air to make a play on a ball in front of Washington Spirit midfielder Hal Hershfelt, right, during the first half of the NWSL championship at CPKC Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina, center, celebrates her assist on a goal by Pride forward Barbra Banda with teammate Pride defender Cori Dyke (31) during the first half of the NWSL championship at CPKC Stadium against the Washington Spirit, Saturday, November 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina, center, celebrates her assist on a goal by Pride forward Barbra Banda with teammate Pride defender Cori Dyke (31) during the first half of the NWSL championship at CPKC Stadium against the Washington Spirit, Saturday, November 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Orlando Pride forwards Marta, center, and Barbra Banda, right, lift the NWSL championship trophy together after defeating the Washington Spirit in an NWSL soccer game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Orlando Pride forwards Marta, center, and Barbra Banda, right, lift the NWSL championship trophy together after defeating the Washington Spirit in an NWSL soccer game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

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