The Phoenix Suns pulled off a gritty 111-102 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix — their third win in a row — despite playing without three key rotation players. Meanwhile, the Spurs, already missing their franchise cornerstone, were left to grit through another night without their 7-foot-4 phenom. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t efficient. But it was enough.
When the Bench Stepped Up
The Suns didn’t start strong. They missed their first nine three-pointers. Their offense sputtered. The Spurs, led by veteran point guard De’Aaron Fox (26 points), took a 14-point lead in the first quarter. But then came the third quarter — the turning point. Phoenix outscored San Antonio 37-24, a surge fueled by Dillon Brooks (25 points), who attacked the rim with relentless aggression, and Devin Booker, who added 24 points in 32 minutes despite lingering discomfort from a nagging ankle issue. Jordan Goodwin chipped in a double-double (15 points, 10 rebounds), while Collin Gillespie hit clutch shots late, including a dagger three with 1:12 left that sealed the game.What made this win remarkable wasn’t the star power — it was the depth. With Grayson Allen (quadriceps), Jalen Green (hamstring), and Ryan Dunn (wrist) all sidelined, coach Frank Vogel had to lean on role players. Center Mark Williams, normally a backup, started and held his own against a Spurs frontcourt missing its most dominant force. The Suns’ bench outscored San Antonio’s 42-28. That’s not luck. That’s resilience.
The Spurs’ Injury Woes Deepen
For San Antonio, this was another sobering chapter in what’s becoming a season defined by setbacks. Victor Wembanyama missed his fourth straight game with a left calf strain, and the team’s depth is being tested like never before. Rookie Dylan Harper, the second overall pick, remains out with a similar calf issue. Starting forward Stephon Castle and backup point guard Jordan McLaughlin are also sidelined. That’s four key players — including their future and their present — out at once.First-year head coach Michelle Clark-Heard has done an admirable job keeping the Spurs competitive. They’d won three straight without Wembanyama, including a dramatic overtime win over Denver. But Sunday exposed the limits of that grit. Devin Vassell (17 points) and Kelton Johnson (14 points) tried to carry the load, but without a true interior presence, Phoenix’s defense was able to collapse on drives and force tough mid-range shots. The Spurs shot just 39% from the field in the second half.
What This Means for the West Race
The Suns’ win improved them to 11-6 on the season, putting them firmly in the top six of the Western Conference. They’ve won 9 of their last 11 games, even as injuries have piled up. Booker, who’s played through discomfort all season, is now averaging 26.8 points per game — a testament to his durability. Meanwhile, the Spurs fell to 11-5, still in playoff contention but increasingly reliant on the return of Wembanyama.Here’s the thing: the Spurs aren’t rebuilding. They’re surviving. And without Wembanyama, they’re playing with a handicap no amount of hustle can fully overcome. The Suns, by contrast, are proving they’re more than just their stars. They’ve got culture. They’ve got coaching. They’ve got guys like Goodwin and Gillespie who know how to play in the cracks.
What’s Next?
Phoenix hosts the Houston Rockets on Monday, November 25, 2025 — a game that will be shadowed by the absence of former Sun Kevin Durant, who’s sitting out for personal reasons, per multiple reports. The Spurs, meanwhile, travel to Portland on Wednesday night to face the Trail Blazers, who are coming off a win over Sacramento. San Antonio’s next home game? Not until December 2.For the Spurs, the next week is critical. Wembanyama’s return timeline remains uncertain — the Associated Press reported he’s expected to miss at least another week. That means Clark-Heard must continue to juggle lineups, manage minutes, and hope for a lucky bounce or two. For the Suns, the challenge is different: keep their core healthy while maintaining momentum. They’ve shown they can win without their best shooters. Now they need to prove they can win without their best defender.
Historical Context: A Franchise on the Edge
This was the second meeting between the teams this season. On November 2, the Suns beat the Spurs 130-118 — San Antonio’s first loss of the year. Back then, Wembanyama was averaging 23.6 points and 10.8 rebounds. Now, the Spurs are 1-3 without him. The contrast is stark. Phoenix, once a team defined by its stars, has evolved into something more sustainable. San Antonio, still waiting for its next chapter, is stuck in transition.Frequently Asked Questions
How has Victor Wembanyama’s absence impacted the Spurs’ defense?
Without Wembanyama, the Spurs have lost their primary rim protector and weak-side shot-blocker. Opponents are shooting 52% at the rim over the past four games — up from 44% when he played. Their block rate has dropped from 7.2 to 3.9 per game. That’s made it easier for teams like Phoenix to drive and kick, exploiting the gaps in their interior defense.
Why is Collin Gillespie playing such a big role for the Suns?
With Jalen Green and Grayson Allen out, Gillespie has been thrust into a primary ball-handling role. He’s averaging 14.2 points and 5.8 assists over the last five games, shooting 41% from three. His basketball IQ and ability to run pick-and-roll with Booker have made him indispensable — especially when the offense stalls. He’s not a star, but he’s the perfect glue guy.
Is Devin Booker’s injury a long-term concern?
The Suns are being cautious. Booker’s ankle issue is classified as "minor," and he’s been managing it with load management and post-game ice therapy. He’s played 30+ minutes in each of the last six games, but his minutes dropped to 32 on Sunday — a sign they’re monitoring him closely. If he misses even one game, the Suns’ offensive efficiency could drop by 12 points per 100 possessions, per NBA Advanced Stats.
What does this win mean for the Suns’ playoff seeding?
With the win, Phoenix moved into the 5th seed in the West, just behind the Timberwolves. They’re now 1.5 games ahead of the Lakers and 2.5 ahead of the Warriors. Their 9-2 record over the last 11 games suggests they’re peaking at the right time. If they can stay healthy through December, they’re a serious threat to reach the Western Conference Finals.
Could the Spurs trade for a center before the deadline?
It’s possible. With Wembanyama out, San Antonio’s front office is reportedly evaluating options like Jaren Jackson Jr. or Jonas Valančiūnas. But both would require giving up future picks or young talent — something they’re hesitant to do with Harper and Castle still developing. A trade is likely only if Wembanyama’s return is pushed past February.
How did the Suns overcome missing three starters?
They leaned on defensive discipline and ball movement. Without Allen and Green, they shifted to a more physical, inside-out style. Mark Williams and Goodwin anchored the paint, while Gillespie and Booker created space with off-ball movement. They also forced 17 Spurs turnovers — their highest in a game since October. It wasn’t pretty, but it was effective.