The Phoenix Suns delivered a statement win on Sunday night, outlasting the San Antonio Spurs 111-102 in a hard-fought battle that showcased clutch performances and rising tension in the Western Conference playoff race.
Brooks Blazes, Booker Steadies the Suns
Dillon Brooks was the unexpected hero for Phoenix, pouring in
25 points and draining four three-pointers to lead the Suns’ offense. Brooks’ energy was contagious, sparking a second-half surge that flipped the script after the Suns trailed by seven at halftime.
Devin Booker added his trademark scoring punch with
24 points (shooting 7-18 from the field) and dished out 7 assists, orchestrating the offense and keeping the Spurs’ defense on its heels. The Suns’ balanced attack saw five players score in double digits, a testament to their depth and unselfish play.
Spurs Battle Without Wembanyama
The Spurs entered the game shorthanded, missing rookie sensation
Victor Wembanyama due to a calf injury, as well as key contributors Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper. Despite the depleted roster,
De'Aaron Fox stepped up with a game-high
26 points and 5 rebounds, keeping San Antonio competitive throughout.
San Antonio had been on a three-game winning streak since Wembanyama’s injury, but the absence of their star big man was felt, especially in the paint and on the defensive end.
Second-Half Surge Seals the Deal
Phoenix trailed
56-49 at halftime, but came out of the locker room with renewed intensity. Brooks and Booker led a decisive run in the third quarter, while the Suns’ defense tightened up, holding the Spurs to just 46 points in the second half.
The win pushes the Suns to an
11-6 record, while the Spurs drop to
11-5—still a strong start for a team navigating injuries and lineup changes.
What This Means for the West
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Phoenix Suns: The victory cements the Suns as a legitimate contender, especially with Brooks emerging as a reliable scoring option alongside Booker.
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San Antonio Spurs: The loss highlights the team’s resilience but also underscores their reliance on Wembanyama’s presence. Getting healthy will be crucial as the season progresses.
Expert Take
This matchup was more than just a regular-season game—it was a litmus test for both teams’ depth and adaptability. The Suns’ ability to rally without relying solely on Booker, and the Spurs’ grit in the face of adversity, suggest both squads will be factors in the playoff picture.
Looking Ahead
Both teams face tough schedules in the coming weeks. The Suns will look to build on their momentum, while the Spurs hope to get Wembanyama and their young core back to full strength.
Key takeaway: The Western Conference remains wide open, and Sunday’s clash proved that every game counts in the race for playoff positioning.
Sources
1. SPURS at SUNS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | November 23, 2025
2. [PDF] Chasing Emmy - World Radio History
3. San Antonio Spurs vs Phoenix Suns Player Stats and Box Score (Nov. 23) | 2025-26 NBA Season
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6. Earnings roundup: Q3 rocky for bioAffinity, Spurs concessionaire
7. 5 players score in double digits as the Phoenix Suns take ... - YouTube
8. [PDF] Negotiations target wage reductions Voter rejection of Amendment 4 ...
9. Breaking news, latest headlines and today events - Scanos
10. San Antonio Express-News | News, Sports, Business | ExpressNews ...
11. Terms of Service | KCUB-AM - Wildcats Radio 1290
