Jazz fend off Spurs 111-110 despite 24 points, 16 rebounds and 7 blocks from Wembanyama

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Utah Jazz’s Collin Sexton (2) drives against San Antonio Spurs’ Chris Paul during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in San Antonio. Utah won 111-110. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

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San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama (1) drives against Utah Jazz’s Cody Williams (5) and Lauri Markkanen (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

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Utah Jazz’s John Collins attempts to shoot against San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in San Antonio. Utah won 111-110. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

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San Antonio Spurs’ Devin Vassell (24) shoots against Utah Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

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San Antonio Spurs’ Blake Wesley (14) drives against Utah Jazz’s John Collins during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

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San Antonio Spurs’ Keldon Johnson dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

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Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, left, attempts to shoot as he is defended by San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

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Utah Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen, center left, fights for possession as he is defended by San Antonio Spurs’ Keldon Johnson (0) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

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San Antonio Spurs’ Zach Collins (23) goes to the net against Utah Jazz’s Johnny Juzang, left, and Kyle Filipowski (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

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San Antonio Spurs’ Chris Paul (3) looks to pass the ball as he is defended by Utah Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen (23) and Walker Kessler (24) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

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Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy gestures to his players during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in San Antonio. Utah won 111-110. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

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San Antonio Spurs acting head coach Mitch Johnson gestures to his players during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in San Antonio. Utah won 111-110. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

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Utah Jazz’s Johnny Juzang and San Antonio Spurs’ Keldon Johnson (0) fight for possession during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in San Antonio. Utah won 111-110. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

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San Antonio Spurs’ Stephon Castle (5) goes to the basket against Utah Jazz’s Johnny Juzang (33) and Walker Kessler, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

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San Antonio Spurs’ Keldon Johnson, top, attempts to shoot against Utah Jazz’s Collin Sexton (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

By RAUL DOMINGUEZ

💬

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Collin Sexton scored 23 points, Lauri Markkanen added 20 and the Utah Jazz held off the San Antonio Spurs 111-110 on Saturday, overcoming 24 points, 16 rebounds and seven blocks from Victor Wembanyama.

Markkanen stayed in the game after landing directly on his left hip with 2:44 remaining. He was down on the court for a few minutes before being helped to his feet. The 7-footer was hobbling noticeably in the final minutes.

Jordan Clarkson had 16 points and John Collins scored 15 for Utah (2-7).

San Antonio rookie Stephon Castle had a career-high 23 points in his third NBA start. Wembanyama shot 6 for 9 on 3-pointers and Castle, also 20 years old, was 3 for 7.

Spurs guard Devin Vassell had 18 points in his season debut after missing seven months with a fractured right foot.

Takeaways

Jazz: Utah had only seven turnovers after committing 10 in the first half.

Spurs: After missing his first two shot attempts, Vassell was 8 for 11 in his first game since March 29. He finished 3 for 6 on 3-pointers. San Antonio (4-6) has been without a consistent second scoring option behind Wembanyama since Vassell injured his foot.

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Key moment

With the Spurs trailing 107-104 and nine seconds remaining, Wembanyama ran through Clarkson on an attempted pick to possibly set up a 3-pointer for the 7-foot-3 center. Officials confirmed the foul after San Antonio challenged, resulting in Clarkson draining two free throws for a 109-104 lead.

Key stat

Utah had a 54-34 advantage in the paint.

Up next

The Jazz host Phoenix on Tuesday, and the Spurs host Sacramento on Monday.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba