Suns stop Spurs' perfect start as Booker outshines Wembanyama in 130-118 win
On Sunday night, November 2, 2025, the Phoenix Suns didn’t just win a game—they ended a storybook start. In front of a roaring crowd at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, the Suns crushed the previously undefeated San Antonio Spurs 130-118, handing them their first loss of the 2025-2026 season. The victory wasn’t just about points—it was about stopping the league’s most unstoppable force: Victor Wembanyama. The 21-year-old French phenom, who had averaged 26.8 points and 4.2 blocks through five games, was held to just 9 points on 4-of-14 shooting, with six costly turnovers. Meanwhile, Devin Booker, the Suns’ 28-year-old All-Star guard, turned in a masterclass: 28 points, 13 assists, and a quiet dominance that silenced doubters. This wasn’t a fluke. It was a blueprint.
How the Suns Shut Down Wembanyama
Here’s the thing: nobody had slowed Wembanyama this season. Not the Warriors. Not the Lakers. Not even the Celtics. But the Suns, under head coach Frank Vogel, had a plan. They didn’t just double-team him—they baited him. Every time Wembanyama caught the ball near the paint, two defenders converged, forcing him to pass. And when he did, the Suns rotated like clockwork. The result? Six turnovers from the league’s most dangerous big man. He didn’t look out of shape. He looked confused. And that’s the most dangerous sign of all.
Wembanyama’s 4-of-14 shooting wasn’t just bad—it was historic. He entered the game shooting 53% from the field. Sunday night? 28.6%. His four blocks were a bright spot, but they couldn’t offset the offensive drought. The Spurs’ offense, which had been humming at 122.3 points per 100 possessions, stalled to 114.1. The difference? Phoenix’s defense forced 17 Spurs turnovers—10 more than their average. And Booker? He made them pay.
Booker’s Night, the Bench’s Surge
Devin Booker didn’t just score—he orchestrated. His 13 assists were more than half of the Suns’ 23 total, and he found everyone: Grayson Allen for five threes, Ryan Dunn slashing to the rim, even Royce O’Neale and Jordan Goodwin hitting clutch mid-range jumpers. The Suns’ bench outscored San Antonio’s 47-32. That’s not a coincidence. That’s depth. That’s cohesion.
Phoenix shot 44.3% from the field and a perfect 11-of-11 from the free-throw line. They didn’t need luck—they needed discipline. And they had it. Their 31-point third quarter was the highest of the season, turning a 10-point halftime lead into a 31-point blowout. The Spurs, playing their sixth straight road game, looked drained. The Suns? They were hungry.
Spurs’ Perfect Run Ends in Phoenix
The Spurs entered the game 5-0—their best start since the 2013-2014 championship season. They’d won by an average of 14.4 points. They were the league’s third-best defensive team. They had Stephon Castle exploding for 26 points and Keldon Johnson adding 19. But none of it mattered when the game plan worked. The Suns didn’t just win—they exposed a flaw. When Wembanyama is contained, the Spurs lack a second scoring option. Dylan Harper, their 19-year-old second overall pick, left with a calf injury in the second quarter. His absence was felt. And without him, the offense became too reliant on one player.
San Antonio’s 40-point fourth quarter was a sign of fight, not resilience. They scored in bunches, but it was too little, too late. The Suns had already broken their spirit.
What This Means for Both Teams
The Suns, now 3-4, snapped a two-game skid and proved they can beat elite teams. They’d lost to the Lakers, Clippers, and Kings earlier in the month. This win? It’s a statement. They’re not just rebuilding—they’re retooling. With Booker healthy and the bench clicking, they’re dangerous in the West.
For the Spurs? It’s a wake-up call. Their 5-0 start was a mirage. They beat weaker teams. They didn’t face a team that could match their pace and physicality. Now they’ve seen what happens when defenses adapt. Wembanyama isn’t invincible—he’s human. And if they don’t develop a secondary scoring threat, they’ll keep losing close games against playoff-caliber teams.
What’s Next?
The two teams meet again on November 23, 2025, back in Phoenix. By then, Wembanyama will have had a week to recover and recalibrate. Will he come back stronger? Or will the Suns’ defensive scheme become the new standard for containing him? The NBA will be watching. And so will the rest of the league.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Devin Booker’s performance compare to his season averages?
Before this game, Booker was averaging 24.1 points and 8.9 assists through the Suns’ first seven games. His 28-point, 13-assist night was his best of the season, and his 13 assists were a season-high, marking the first time he’s reached double-digit assists since October 15. He also shot 10-of-19 from the field and 4-of-6 from three, showing improved efficiency under pressure.
Why was Victor Wembanyama so ineffective?
The Suns used a combination of physicality and smart rotations to disrupt Wembanyama’s rhythm. They forced him to catch the ball in traffic, denied entry passes, and collapsed the paint whenever he moved toward the basket. He took 14 shots—the most he’s had this season—but only four went in. His six turnovers were a season-high, and he rarely got into a rhythm, especially after the first quarter.
What impact did the Spurs’ road schedule have on their performance?
The Spurs had played five consecutive road games to start the season—the longest road-opening streak in NBA history. They played in Denver, Oklahoma City, Sacramento, LA, and Portland before Phoenix. Fatigue was evident in their late-game energy. They shot 68.8% from the free-throw line, well below their 78.4% season average, and committed 17 turnovers, their most since October 25.
How did the Suns’ bench contribute to the win?
Phoenix’s reserves outscored San Antonio’s 47-32. Grayson Allen (17 points), Ryan Dunn (17), Royce O’Neale (11), and Jordan Goodwin (11) provided consistent scoring without relying on Booker. The bench also helped maintain defensive intensity during key stretches, holding the Spurs to just 24 points in the second quarter after Wembanyama sat for 5 minutes.
What does this loss mean for the Spurs’ playoff chances?
Despite the loss, San Antonio remains in the top eight of the Western Conference. But their margin for error is shrinking. They’re now 5-1, but their net rating dropped from +12.1 to +7.8 after this game. If Wembanyama can’t find consistent support from the perimeter, they’ll struggle against elite defenses. Their next three games are against Memphis, Dallas, and Denver—three playoff contenders.
Is this win a sign the Suns are turning their season around?
Absolutely. Before this game, the Suns were 1-4 on the road and had lost three of their last four. This win, against a top-3 defensive team, proves they can win with defense and ball movement—not just scoring. Their 130 points were a season high, and their 43 rebounds were their best since opening night. If they can maintain this level of execution, they’re a dangerous 6th-8th seed in the West.
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