SAN ANTONIO (AP) – The Toronto Raptors overcame a sizeable deficit and an even larger presence in San Antonio Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama to win for the first time on the road this season.
Scottie Barnes scored 17 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter and had 11 rebounds and Toronto overcame a 22-point deficit to force overtime and beat San Antonio 123-116 yesterday.
Dennis Schroder and O G Anunoby each had 24 points as the Raptors snapped the Spurs’ two-game winning streak.
Keldon Johnson had 26 points, Zach Collins added 21 points and 11 rebounds and Victor Wembanyama had 20 points for the Spurs.
San Antonio was coming off consecutive thrilling wins in Phoenix. The Spurs overcame a 20-point deficit in the initial win on October 31 and didn’t lead until the final basket with 1.2 seconds remaining. San Antonio held on to beat Phoenix last Thursday after nearly blowing a 27-point lead.
The experience of playing with and against large leads didn’t help yesterday.
Wembanyama was seven for 16 from the field and had five blocked shots. After delivering a shoulder to clear room under the rim, Anunoby was visibly stunned after Wembanyama closed quickly to block his floater before the ball even left his hand.
Toronto outscored San Antonio 23-10 to open the final quarter after entering the period down 15.
Barnes had back-to-back three-pointers and a dunk to cut it to 96-91 with seven minutes remaining.
Barnes tied it 108 with another three-pointer.
After a pair of free throws by Johnson, Anunoby grabbed a loose ball and tossed in a floater to tie it at 110 with 1.2 seconds remaining. The Spurs were without starting guard Devin Vassell.
