Pounding The Rock
For all your Manu Ginobili loving and San Antonio Spurs news
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Victor Wembanyama talks about his basketball journey on 60 Minutes
Victor Wembanyama becomes the first San Antonio Spurs star featured on CBS's 60 Minutes since David Robinson in 1992. In a 13‑minute segment, correspondent Jon Wertheim highlights Wembanyama's rare blend of size, skill, and personal curiosity, noting his off‑court pursuits such as a summer in China with Buddhist monks, a love of chess, and barefoot walking. The interview also touches on his 2025 blood‑clot battle, his candid views on MVP talks, and his outlook on life and politics. Fans get an intimate look at the French phenom’s training mindset and mindset beyond basketball.
Open Thread: Inside the NBA’s Ernie Johnson announces this is his final season
Ernie Johnson reveals the 2026-27 season will be his last as host of TNT's Inside the NBA, ending a 38‑year run that began when he took over the role in 1988. His departure prompts emotional farewells from co‑hosts Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith, highlighting Johnson’s steady presence amid the show’s humor, political commentary, and memorable moments. The article recaps his broadcasting roots, the show’s 2025 move to ESPN/ABC while staying under TNT production, and notes the impact his exit will have on the iconic program.
Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Utah Jazz
The Spurs enter their home rematch with the Utah Jazz on Nov. 2 hoping to stretch a four‑game winning streak to five. After a 36‑point, 14‑rebound overtime victory by Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio (4‑2) aims to keep the momentum against a 1‑5 Jazz squad that will have Lauri Markkanen back after missing the last game. Key factors include the Wembanyama‑Keldon Fox pick‑and‑roll synergy and slowing guard Keyonte George, who scored 31 in the previous meeting. Utah’s front‑court depth is thinned by injuries to Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jusuf Nurkic, giving the Spurs a chance to dominate inside.
The Spurs should be patient with Luke Kornet, for now
The San Antonio Spurs have bounced back with four straight wins after a 0‑2 start, but the veteran backup center Luke Kornet remains under fire. In the latest victory over a shorthanded Timberwolves, Kornet showed solid play, yet the Spurs still score just 100.5 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor and post a high turnover rate. His strengths lie in screening—averaging 2.7 screen assists in 14.6 minutes, the league’s 18th best—and offensive rebounding, but he lacks a scoring threat. While rookie Tarris Reed Jr. is eager for minutes, the article argues patience with Kornet is wise for now, as the team’s defensive woes stem from lineup issues rather than a single center.
What we learned from the Spurs’ win over the Timberwolves
The Spurs edged the Timberwolves 121-111 on Oct. 31, 2026, but the win exposed lingering inconsistencies. Victor Wembanyama delivered an MVP‑caliber 43 points and six blocks, while De’Aaron Fox added 22 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, energizing the offense with an improved mid‑range shot. San Antonio’s new pick‑and‑roll lob strategy repeatedly freed Wembanyama for easy finishes, though the game featured 29 combined turnovers and periods of cold shooting. Minnesota was shorthanded without Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert, and backup center Luke Kornet contributed solid rebounding, while Julian Champagnie shot 47.6% from three (3‑of‑7). Coaches see both promise and areas to clean up as the season unfolds.
Highlights: Wembanyama, Fox and Harper help Spurs outlast the Timberwolves
Victor Wembanyama leads the San Antonio Spurs to a gritty win over the short‑staffed Minnesota Timberwolves, dropping a career‑high 43 points and adding six blocks to move into fourth all‑time in franchise blocks. De’Aaron Fox and rookie Dylan Harper each chip in three fourth‑quarter baskets, while the Spurs’ defense clamps down on the Timberwolves’ screen‑roll sets. The game, played on Oct. 28, also featured a highlight‑reel putback and a defensive play that put Wembanyama just 49 blocks shy of passing Artis Gilmore. Highlights are streaming on DAZN.
Open Thread: How the Spurs rolled in on Halloween
The San Antonio Spurs turned Halloween into a team‑wide costume showcase on Oct. 31, 2026. Victor Wembanyama arrived as Geralt from The Witcher, Carter Bryant as Ace from Paid In Full, rookie Tarris Reed, Jr. as a “three‑hole punch” from The Office, and De’Aaron Fox led a Toy Story family cosplay that won a fan poll hosted by Sean Elliott on DAZN. Forward Julian Champagnie, dressed as Shrek, visited hospitalized kids at Methodist Children’s Hospital, highlighting the Spurs’ community outreach. The thread concludes with a nod to the 2009 Ginobili bat incident and a preview of the upcoming Dia De Los Muertos game versus Utah.
Spurs haunt Timberwolves in 121–111 Halloween thriller
The San Antonio Spurs snap a 0-2 start with a Halloween‑night 121–111 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center. Victor Wembanyama leads the charge, scoring 43 points—including 24 in the first half—and pulling down key rebounds, while De’Aaron Fox adds 22 points, seven boards and six assists. Despite early defensive lapses and a halftime lead slip, the Spurs pull away in the fourth quarter, outscoring Minnesota 28‑23. Guard Stephon Castle plays through a migraine, and rookie Dylan Harper contributes crucial shooting. Minnesota, missing Anthony Edwards and others, relies on LaMelo Ball, who fouls out after 10 points and eight rebounds. The victory marks the Spurs' fourth straight win.
San Antonio vs. Minnesota, Final Score: Spurs tame the Timberwolves 121-111
The San Antonio Spurs defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 121‑111 on Oct. 31, 2026, at the Frost Bank Center. Victor Wembanyama leads the way with a career‑highlight 43 points, while De’Aaron Fox adds 22 points and eight rebounds to keep the Spurs organized. Minnesota stays competitive thanks to Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert (who later exits with a sore back), and a strong fourth‑quarter effort from a rested LaMelo Ball before he fouls out. Bench contributors Asayo Dosunmo and Jaden Daniels spark the Wolves, and the Spurs’ secondary players—Carter Bryant and others—provide crucial scoring as the lead ebbs and flows before the Spurs pull away in the second half.
It’s time for Basketball: San Antonio Spurs vs Minnesota Timberwolves
The Spurs host the Timberwolves on Oct. 31, 2026 in a Western Conference semifinals preview. Minnesota will be without Anthony Edwards after knee surgery, but rely on LaMelo Ball and Jaden McDaniels after a 127‑101 win over the Clippers. San Antonio, still early in the season at 3‑2, looks to lock in its three‑guard rotation and await Tobias Harris’s debut. The game streams exclusively on DAZN at 7:00 PM CT.
60 Minutes Archive: Before the Alien, there was The Admiral
The October 31 post revisits 60 Minutes’ 1992 feature on David "The Admiral" Robinson, the first Spurs star profiled by the news show. Correspondent Ed Bradley paints Robinson as “part Baryshnikov, part bull,” highlighting his Naval Academy commitment, deep community work, and Christian‑rooted values. The segment shows Robinson inspiring fifth‑graders, founding the Carver Academy charter school, and includes interviews with his parents, a nostalgic "Mister Robinson’s Neighborhood" ad, and anecdotes about Coach Larry Brown’s colorful language. The article offers a glimpse of this iconic profile and invites fans to watch the full story.
Open Thread: Stephen A. Smith goes on a rant regarding Kawhi Leonard
Stephen A. Smith ignites controversy on First Take by labeling Kawhi Leonard the "worst superstar in sports" and accusing him of getting paid without working, amid Leonard's knee swelling that sidelines him early in the 2026‑27 NBA season. The rant follows Leonard's 2025 trade request from the Clippers and his move to the Toronto Raptors, which sparked investigations into alleged salary‑cap violations. Fans and Spurs supporters have flooded social media with memes and criticism of Smith's tirade, reigniting debate over Leonard's status as a true superstar. The post invites readers to join the discussion in the Spurs community thread.
Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs Minnesota Timberwolves
The Spurs (3-2) visit the injury‑hit Timberwolves (4-2) on Oct. 31, with Victor Wembanyama leading San Antonio’s recent three‑game winning streak. Minnesota is without Anthony Edwards (knee surgery) and Dante DiVincenzo, while the Spurs lack Tobias Harris (calf). Wembanyama has been dunking at a career‑high, averaging 19.8 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks in the previous playoff series against Minnesota, but will face former DPOY Rudy Gobert in the paint. LaMelo Ball steps in as the Wolves’ new playmaker, but his impact remains uncertain. The line favors the Spurs by 11.5 points, and the preview examines how the Spurs can capitalize on Minnesota’s depleted roster.
Our first impressions of the 2026/27 Spurs
The Spurs sit at 3‑2 early in the 2026/27 season, showing flashes of greatness but lacking consistency. Analysts agree the young squad, fresh from a Finals run, is still adjusting to new expectations and a three‑guard lineup featuring Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama. While Castle’s three‑point shooting looks promising, concerns linger about size, bench production and the sustainability of the guard‑heavy sets. Tobias Harris’s imminent return could reshape rotations, possibly benching one of the trio. Overall, experts see early growing pains but remain optimistic about the team’s development.
Open Thread: Tim Duncan makes two unexpected appearances
During the Spurs' October 30, 2026 game in Salt Lake City, rookie Victor Wembanyama sported a Tim Duncan t‑shirt, sparking playful banter from former teammate Sean Elliott on Spurs Live. The tribute was just one of two Duncan sightings this week: the retired five‑time champion was also photographed voting early in San Antonio’s Northside Independent School District with his partner Vanessa Macias. Fans noted the rare public appearances of the former GOAT power forward, while early voting wraps up ahead of the November 3 election. The post invites the Spurs community to discuss the moments.
What we learned from the Spurs win over the Jazz
The Spurs edged the Utah Jazz in a nail‑biting October 28 contest, holding on to a six‑point lead thanks to Victor Wembanyama’s late‑game return. While the new starting line‑up, reshaped by Dylan Harper’s rise, has struggled for consistency, the bench—especially Luke Kornet—has looked lost without the rookie’s steady hand. Coach Will Hardy’s timeout allowed Wemby back in and prompted a surprising substitution of Keldon Johnson for sharpshooter Julian Champagnie. The win highlighted San Antonio’s reliance on Wemby and exposed lingering roster growing‑pains.
Highlights: Spurs rally behind Victor Wembanyama in win over the Jazz
The San Antonio Spurs defeat a shorthanded Utah Jazz in overtime, fueled by Victor Wembanyama’s 36 points and 14 rebounds. Devin Vassell adds a season‑high 21 points, while the team forces 14 steals, with Wembanyama, Vassell and De’Aaron Fox each recording three. Highlights include Wembanyama’s dunk, Fox’s fake pump and a no‑look pass from Keldon Wilder Johnson. The win, posted on October 28 at the Delta Center, keeps the Spurs early‑season momentum as they prepare to host their next opponent.
Open Thread: Champagnie’s unparalleled prowess
Julian Champagnie lights up the Spurs with a franchise‑tying eight three‑pointers in just 13 minutes against the Sacramento Kings, joining an elite group of seven NBA players who average 3+ made threes per game while shooting 45% or better. He also ranks among 22 players recording three or more combined steals and blocks per game, showcasing rare 3‑and‑D impact. Benefiting from constant defensive focus on Victor Wembanyama, Champagnie finds open looks and can strike from anywhere beyond the arc. The Spurs face the injury‑hit Minnesota Timberwolves on Halloween, with Anthony Edwards sidelined.
Spurs outlast Jazz to extend win streak to three
The San Antonio Spurs edged the Utah Jazz 117-111 in overtime on Oct. 28, extending their win streak to three. Victor Wembanyama led the way with a dominant 36 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists, fueling fast‑break dunks and pick‑and‑rolls that proved decisive. Utah, shorthanded by the injuries to Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr., leaned on Keaton George’s 10 early points but couldn’t contain Wembanyama’s impact. Guard Harper struggled, shooting 4‑for‑17 for 13 points, while the Spurs’ defense showed lapses throughout the game. Despite a chaotic finish and a brief lead in OT, San Antonio pulled ahead and will aim for a fourth straight win against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday.
San Antonio vs. Utah, Final Score: Spurs play a dissonant note against the Jazz in 117-111 overtime win
In an overtime thriller at the Delta Center, the San Antonio Spurs edged the Utah Jazz 117-111 on Oct. 28, 2026. Jazz rookie Keyonte George exploded for 31 points, while Darryn Peterson shined before an elbow clash with Victor Wembanyama forced his exit. The Spurs, sluggish early, rallied in the second half behind Devin Vassell’s fourth‑quarter push and Wembanyama’s two‑way dominance, forcing OT and sealing the win with a late defensive surge. The game highlighted the Jazz’s young talent stepping up amid injuries and the Spurs’ quest for true home‑court advantage as the season unfolds.
It’s time for Basketball: San Antonio Spurs at Utah Jazz
The San Antonio Spurs head to the Delta Center on Oct. 28 for a preseason showdown with Will Hardy’s Utah Jazz. After a dominant back‑to‑back win over the Sacramento Kings, the Spurs are rested and largely injury‑free, except for the still‑out Tobias Harris. The Jazz, 1‑3 this season, miss Jaren Jackson Jr. and list Lauri Markkanen and Jaxson Hayes as questionable, with Mo Bamba filling in. The preview predicts a “winnable” game for the Spurs, highlighting a potential 5‑guard lineup featuring Ja’Kobi Gillespie and David Jones‑Garcia. The game streams exclusively on DAZN at 8 p.m. CT.
What We Learned from the Spurs win over the Kings
The San Antonio Spurs cruise past the Sacramento Kings in a preseason rout on Oct. 27, 2026, showcasing a well‑executed attack that includes Julian Champagnie draining eight threes off the bench and Victor Wembanyama dominating the paint. The win, described as routine and effortless, underscores the Spurs' readiness while the author muses on broader league oddities—from the Knicks’ 0‑3 start as defending champs to injury woes affecting the Thunder, Wolves, and Kawhi Leonard. Amid the preseason haze, the Spurs’ performance offers a reassuring glimpse of cohesive play ahead of the regular season.
Julian Champagnie catches fire as Spurs beat Kings
Julian Champagnie ignites the San Antonio Spurs in a 130-103 rout of the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 27, 2026. The wing storms the first half with eight three‑pointers, tying his franchise record for threes in a half and boosting the team’s three‑point shooting to 45.9% (17‑of‑37). Champagnie finishes with 26 points on 8‑of‑13 from deep. Victor Wembanyama adds 29 points, ten rebounds and multiple dunks, while Devin Vassell contributes 14 points and four triples. The Kings’ defensive lapses, especially against Stephon Castle’s drive, leave the Spurs wide open all night. The win sets up a Wednesday showdown with the Utah Jazz.
Open Thread: Catching up with Wemby’s rise in the NBA’s blocks leaders
Victor Wembanyama bursts onto the 2026‑27 NBA season as the league’s blocks leader, averaging just over four per game in his first four outings. After posting six blocks vs. Oklahoma City, two against Houston, four in Dallas and five against Sacramento, he’s already climbed the all‑time blocks leaderboard, moving from 224th at the end of 2025‑26 to a tie for 211th with Carmelo Anthony. The article lists the 13 players he passed, including Kobe Bryant and Andre Iguodala, and notes that 30 active players still rank above him as he chases the title of greatest blocker ever.
Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Utah Jazz
The Spurs aim for a third straight win as they travel to Salt Lake City to face a injury‑hit Utah Jazz on Oct. 28 at 8 PM CT. San Antonio (2‑2) has tightened its defense, forcing turnovers and generating fast‑break points, while Utah (1‑3) struggles with ball control, averaging 17 turnovers per game and missing key frontcourt players including Jaren Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen and Jaxson Hayes. Victor Wembanyama, fresh off a 29‑point performance, looks to dominate the rim against a thin Jazz interior. The Spurs must maintain pressure on the perimeter and dictate a faster pace to pull ahead of .500 for the first time this season. The game streams on DAZN and airs on WOAI 1200 AM.
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