De’Aaron Fox posted a season-high 28 points and 11 assists, guiding the San Antonio Spurs to a 123-110 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday at Frost Bank Center.
San Antonio improved to 9-4 by delivering one of its most balanced offensive performances of the season despite missing Victor Wembanyama for the first time.
Wembanyama was ruled out with a strained left calf, an injury Spurs coach Mitch Johnson described as progressive, with his status remaining day to day.
Stephon Castle also exited after the first half due to a left hip injury, though he remained on the bench in the second half as the team monitored his condition.
Even without two rotation pieces, the Spurs dictated the opening quarter and built a 36-24 lead by pushing pace and attacking early mismatches.
Harrison Barnes added 20 points while Devin Vassell supplied 16, keeping pressure on a Kings defense that has struggled throughout its six-game losing streak.
Fox, facing Sacramento for the first time since the three-team trade that sent him to San Antonio last February, set the tone immediately.
He knocked down his first two threes and opened the game 3 for 3 from the field, a contrast to his lone previous meeting against Sacramento in March when he shot 0 for 6 from deep.
The Spurs generated scoring across the rotation, finishing with seven players in double figures and shooting 54 percent from the field.
Keldon Johnson produced 14 points and 12 rebounds off the bench, giving the Spurs a necessary boost on the glass in Wembanyama’s absence.
San Antonio extended its lead to 67-59 at halftime, then added another 28 points in the third quarter by repeatedly creating quality looks through Fox’s playmaking.
The Kings stayed within reach behind DeMar DeRozan’s 27 points and Domantas Sabonis’ 17-point, 13-rebound effort.
Sacramento cut the margin to single digits multiple times, but San Antonio countered each push by stringing together efficient possessions through Fox’s drives and Barnes’ perimeter work.
The Spurs finished with 38 assists and only 14 turnovers, controlling tempo while keeping Sacramento’s transition opportunities limited.
San Antonio also won the rebounding battle 46-37, a key factor with Sabonis active on the interior.
The Kings’ bench contributed 42 points, including 22 from Dennis Schroder and 16 from Malik Monk, but the defensive lapses early proved too much to overcome.
San Antonio closed the fourth quarter with steady half-court execution, holding Sacramento to 25 points in the final period.
The Kings dropped to 3-11 and will travel to Oklahoma City on Wednesday.
The Spurs continue their homestand Tuesday against Memphis as they await further updates on Wembanyama and Castle.
