By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Due to travel issues stemming from a mechanical issue on the flight following a loss to the Charlotte Hornets in Spectrum Center, the San Antonio Spurs countered the unexpected additional pressure with a 112-103 win against the Orlando Magic, 112-103, in Frost Bank Center.
Victor Wembanyama was also initially listed as questionable to play on Sunday due to left calf soreness, but lasted 27:57, and delivered 25 points behind 7/13 field goals. The French center added eight rebounds, five blocks, four steals, and two assists.
“We have to answer to our responsibility. We actually discussed it before that there’s no excuse, we have to be ready,” noted Wemby in a postgame press conference, commenting on the complications leading to a late tipoff to finish the most recent back-to-back in the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season.
“When the teams arrange for the players on the road, it’s very individualized. For me, when I get to a hotel, I know where the luggage is and where I get everything I need for my sleep. Maybe ten different objects. The stuff is going to be set up as soon as I get to the hotel. When I am on the plan, I have everything I need. The NBA has so much power, this franchise has so much power, that they can adapt to many situations. Even for today, they made it easier than anywhere else,” he added.
The Spurs built an early 18-point advantage, but needed a strong reaction after the break to recover the lead and eventually get back into a double-digit distance down the stretch.
“Our job on offense is to make it a basketball game. That’s how we are going to beat them. It’s just the game. It’s like this every night,” mentioned the Le Chesnay native on the defense of the opponents.
Jumping to 33-16 also secured an All-Star Game ticket for head coach Mitch Johnson. “I’m so happy for him,” reacted Wembanyama.
San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson has been named a head coach for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.
Johnson and his staff will coach one of the three All-Star teams in the new U.S. vs. World format.
Johnson earned the honor based on the Spurs having the best record in the… pic.twitter.com/HrMaqOU7pJ
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 2, 2026
Meanwhile, Polish teammate Jeremy Sochan (left quad strain) stayed on the injury report.
German Franz Wagner (left high ankle sprain injury management) remained sidelined for the Magic. However, his brother Moritz and fellow German import Tristan da Silva got eight and seven points, respectively, off the bench, with French Noah Penda at seven points, and Georgian Goga Bitadze settling with four points.