Victor Wembanyama scored 11 points in the opening period to help the San Antonio Spurs secure a 31-25 lead over the Phoenix Suns on November 9, 2026.
The Spurs utilized a high-octane offensive burst to counter an early scoring run by De’Aaron Fox and Devin Booker. According to game data, the Spurs established a 5-0 lead following a Dylan Harper running reverse layup assisted by Wembanyama. Phoenix responded quickly through Fox, who recorded a layup and a subsequent three-point pullup jump shot to keep the game within reach.
The first quarter was defined by Wembanyama’s versatility and the Suns’ reliance on their veteran core. While Booker and Fox provided the scoring punch for Phoenix, the Spurs leaned on a distributed attack featuring Julian Champagnie and Dylan Harper.
After the Suns cut the lead to 5-4, the Spurs regained control through defensive stops and efficient interior scoring. Miles Bridges helped the defense by recording two blocks against Stephon Castle during a critical stretch in the first quarter. These stops allowed San Antonio to transition into high-percentage scoring opportunities.
Julian Champagnie emerged as a primary facilitator and scorer for the Spurs during the opening ten minutes. He recorded a steal on Dillon Brooks and converted a three-point jump shot assisted by Stephon Castle. Champagnie also contributed a two-point pullup bank jump shot to extend the Spurs’ lead to 17-12.
Wembanyama’s impact extended beyond perimeter scoring. He finished in transition with a running dunk assisted by Castle and scored second-chance points. In the final minute of the quarter, Wembanyama converted an alley-oop dunk from De’Aaron Fox and a three-point jump shot assisted by Harper to push the lead to 31-25.
The Suns relied heavily on Devin Booker to stabilize the offense when the Spurs threatened to pull away. Booker recorded a pullup jump shot, a three-point running pullup jump shot, and a bank jump shot. He also drew multiple fouls, including a shooting foul on Stephon Castle and a shooting foul on Wembanyama.
De’Aaron Fox provided the secondary scoring punch, highlighted by a three-point pullup jump shot and a driving layup. The Suns’ offense also saw contributions from Oso Ighodaro, who finished the period with a cutting dunk assisted by Jalen Green.
Despite the scoring from their stars, the Suns struggled with consistency and turnovers. Jalen Green committed a turnover late in the quarter, which was intercepted by Julian Champagnie, leading directly to a Wembanyama dunk.
| Player | Team | Key First Quarter Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Victor Wembanyama | Spurs | 11 points, including a three-point jump shot |
| Devin Booker | Suns | Multiple scoring drives and free throws |
| De’Aaron Fox | Suns | Three-point jump shot and driving layup |
| Julian Champagnie | Spurs | Three-point jump shot and defensive steal |
| Miles Bridges | Spurs | Two blocks against Stephon Castle |
The quarter ended with the Spurs holding a six-point advantage, fueled by Wembanyama’s late-period scoring surge and the Suns’ inability to match the pace of the San Antonio transition game.
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