Although the Pistons deployed a defensive gameplan based on physicality to slow down Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs emerged victorious 114–103 in their Monday matchup. Although Vembanyama had 21 points, he was only 6-16 from the field. But, Vembanyama still proved effective in other areas of the game, grabbing 17 rebounds and six blocks.
In postgame comments obtained by Omari Sankofa II, Pistons star Cade Cunningham admitted that his team could not adjust to the intensity that Wembanyama brought to the defensive side of the floor.
“We couldn’t figure out Wemby early. We changed a lot of our shots, changed our approach and had opportunities where we found things and did things we wanted to do. He changed a lot of shots and couldn’t figure out his early.”
Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff explained his approach to attacking the Wembanyama-led defense, saying, “You have to go through him, you can’t go around him.” (Duren) did a great job late where he was passing to him. “He’s very smart, very talented…if you allow him to play in space, you have to become more familiar with him.”
Jalen Duren punched Wembley, also committed foulpic.twitter.com/L0xLWKoM9o
– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 24 February 2026
Jalen Duren finished the game with 25 points, including a thrilling poster dunk over Victor Wembanyama that went viral on social media. But Duren didn’t get much help offensively, especially as Cunningham finished the game with 16 points and was 5-26 from the field.
But Bickerstaff saw the loss in a broader perspective, noting that San Antonio allowed 18 three-pointers, which ultimately put the game out of reach.
“They moved the ball well, they attacked the rebounds to get those looks. Some of them had mistakes, we gave up strong side corner 3s that we don’t normally do… Credit to them. They played a strong game.”
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