Spurs erase 25-point deficit to beat Clippers 116-112 after late turnover and decisive putback

San Antonio rallies from season-worst halftime hole to extend surge in Western Conference race

The San Antonio Spurs overcame a 25-point deficit Friday night, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 116-112 at Frost Bank Center in a game that turned on a dominant fourth-quarter stretch and a sequence of late-game execution errors by Los Angeles.

San Antonio trailed 66-46 at halftime after shooting 38% from the field and 30% from three-point range in the first half. The 20-point halftime margin was the Spurs’ largest deficit at the break this season. The Clippers led 56-39 with about 4:30 left in the second quarter, then pushed the advantage beyond 20 during the final minutes before intermission.

The Spurs’ deficit peaked at 75-50 in the third quarter. From there, the game shifted as San Antonio tightened defensively, increased its pace after stops, and generated repeated high-leverage plays around the rim. San Antonio opened the fourth quarter with an 18-5 run and took its first lead since the opening minutes, changing the endgame from a comfortable Clippers win into a possession-by-possession finish.

• Victor Wembanyama: 27 points, 10 rebounds, four blocks
• Julian Champagnie: 20 points, nine rebounds (17 points in the third quarter)
• De’Aaron Fox: 19 points, nine rebounds
• Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles): 30 points, nine rebounds
• Brook Lopez (Los Angeles): 26 points

Several sequences underscored how San Antonio closed the gap. Wembanyama’s rim protection catalyzed transition chances, including a fourth-quarter block on a reverse layup attempt that led to an alley-oop finish for Carter Bryant. Shortly after, Devin Vassell’s three-pointer helped San Antonio seize a 99-97 advantage during the decisive run.

The final minute featured three defining moments. With San Antonio down one late, the Spurs defended Leonard on a three-point attempt, and Wembanyama broke free for an uncontested dunk that put the Spurs ahead 113-112 with 16 seconds remaining. On the ensuing possession, Clippers forward Nicolas Batum stepped out of bounds while inbounding the ball, turning the ball over and costing Los Angeles a chance to respond cleanly. Stephon Castle then effectively sealed the comeback by rebounding his own missed free throw and scoring a layup with one second left.

The result left San Antonio at 46-17 and continued a stretch in which the Spurs have won 14 of their last 15 games. The Clippers fell to 30-32, ending a three-game winning streak.

Both teams remained on a quick turnaround: Los Angeles was scheduled to play at Memphis on Saturday, while San Antonio was set to host Houston on Sunday.