Spurs Rally to Defeat Raptors in Season Finale
In a thrilling conclusion to the 2024-2025 NBA regular season, the San Antonio Spurs staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the Toronto Raptors 125-118 on Sunday at the Frost Bank Center. Despite both teams missing the playoffs, the game was a testament to resilience and team spirit.
Spurs Overcome 22-Point Deficit
The Raptors built a commanding 22-point lead in the third quarter, but the Spurs mounted a determined rally. Keldon Johnson led the charge with 23 points, while rookie Stephon Castle contributed 20 points, including a crucial late-game basket and free throw. Veterans Harrison Barnes and Chris Paul added 18 and 15 points, respectively, providing the necessary experience to close out the game. Malaki Branham’s free throws with 7:03 remaining gave the Spurs the lead for good.
Raptors’ Scottie Barnes Shines
Despite the loss, Raptors’ forward Scottie Barnes delivered an outstanding performance, recording 35 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. Jamison Battle added 25 points, and Jonathon Mogbo nearly achieved a triple-double with 14 rebounds, 10 assists, and 9 points.
Wembanyama’s Recovery Progress
Spurs’ star center Victor Wembanyama, who missed the season due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, provided an encouraging update on his recovery. He reported feeling good and has progressed to lifting weights and conditioning, though he has not yet resumed contact activities. Wembanyama is expected to be ready for the start of next season.
Looking Ahead
With the season concluded, the Spurs will focus on the upcoming draft and preparations for the 2025-2026 season. The team’s young core, including Castle and Branham, will be pivotal in their development, while the return of Wembanyama is highly anticipated. The Spurs’ resilience in their season finale offers a positive outlook for the future.
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