Suns Outlast Spurs 111-102 Despite Injury Chaos, End San Antonio's 3-Game Win Streak

The Phoenix Suns didn’t need their star lineup to beat the San Antonio Spurs — they just needed grit, depth, and a third-quarter explosion. On Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona, the Suns pulled away late to win 111-102, snapping San Antonio’s three-game winning streak and improving to 11-6 on the season. The Spurs, now 11-5, fell from first in their division after a performance that felt like two teams playing different basketball — one missing its heartbeat, the other finding its rhythm in the chaos.

When the Stars Are Out, the Role Players Step Up

The Suns entered the game without three key rotation players: Grayson Allen (quad), Jalen Green (hamstring), and Ryan Dunn (wrist). Rookie Rasheer Fleming was listed as questionable. Meanwhile, the Spurs were playing without their franchise cornerstone, Victor Wembanyama, who’s sidelined with a left calf strain. They also lost starting point guard Stephon Castle, rookie Dylan Harper, and backup Jordan McLaughlin — a roster decimation that would’ve crushed most teams.

Yet, Phoenix didn’t fold. Instead, Dillon Brooks took over. The 25-year-old shooting guard dropped 25 points on 10-for-24 shooting, hitting four threes and locking down on defense with two steals. His energy was contagious. Devin Booker, the All-Star, added 24 points and seven assists, but it was his leadership in the third quarter that shifted momentum. After a sluggish start — the Suns shot just 9-for-29 in the first quarter — Booker found center Mark Williams for a thunderous alley-oop that sparked the crowd. Williams’ subsequent block led directly to a Brooks three, cutting San Antonio’s lead to 45-41. That sequence didn’t just change the score; it changed the spirit of the game.

The Third Quarter That Broke the Spurs

At halftime, the Spurs led 56-49. They’d been efficient early, hitting 52.9% of their shots. But the Suns’ defense tightened, and their offense finally found its rhythm. The turning point? A 37-24 third quarter that felt like a tidal wave. Collin Gillespie, the veteran guard acquired in the offseason, poured in 15 points in just 22 minutes, including three clutch threes. The Suns missed their first nine attempts from deep — a brutal stretch that had fans holding their breath. But they finished 14-for-38 (36.8%), proving their shooters weren’t broken, just patient.

San Antonio’s offense, led by De'Aaron Fox (26 points, 5 rebounds), stayed competitive. Devin Vassell added 17, Kelton Johnson chipped in 14, and Julian Champagnie nearly posted a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. But without Wembanyama’s rim protection or Castle’s playmaking, the Spurs couldn’t sustain runs. Their bench, while spirited, lacked the cohesion to close the gap when Phoenix’s reserves — especially Jordan Goodwin (15 points, 10 rebounds) — took over.

What This Win Means for Phoenix’s Playoff Push

This was the Suns’ third straight win, all coming after a rocky 2-4 start to November. They’re now 9-2 in their last 11 games — a stretch that includes a 114-113 buzzer-beater win over the Minnesota Timberwolves just two nights earlier. The fact they’ve done it without Allen, Green, and Dunn speaks volumes about their depth. Mark Williams started in place of Dunn and played 32 minutes, finishing with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks — his best game since returning from a knee injury in October.

The Suns moved within 1.5 games of the Los Angeles Lakers (12-4) for the top spot in the Western Conference’s Pacific Division. That’s significant. With Kevin Durant expected to miss Monday’s home game against the Houston Rockets (10-4) due to personal reasons, Phoenix can’t afford to slip. This win wasn’t just about beating a depleted Spurs team — it was about proving they can win without their superstars.

San Antonio’s Struggle Without Wemby

The Spurs’ 3-0 run without Victor Wembanyama had been the story of the early season. They were outscoring opponents by 8.6 points per 100 possessions in his absence — a testament to their system and coaching. But Sunday exposed the limits. Without Wembanyama’s shot-blocking and spacing, Phoenix’s interior defense relaxed. Without Castle’s penetration, Fox had to carry too much. And without Harper — the 2025 draft pick who was expected to be their next point guard of the future — San Antonio’s second unit lacked rhythm.

Coach Gregg Popovich said after the game: “We’re not making excuses. But when you lose four rotation guys, especially in the backcourt, you’re asking your starters to do things they weren’t built for.” Fox, who’s now averaging 24.8 points over his last five games, looked exhausted. He took 22 shots — more than any other player — and still came up short.

What’s Next? A Crucial Week Ahead

The Suns host the Rockets on Monday night, November 24, 2025 — a game that could determine their seeding trajectory. Without Durant, the pressure falls squarely on Booker, Brooks, and Gillespie. The Spurs, meanwhile, travel to Portland on Wednesday, November 26, to face a Trail Blazers team that’s won four of their last five. Wembanyama’s return is still at least a week away, and the Spurs’ front office is quietly evaluating whether to trade for a veteran point guard before the December 15 deadline.

For Phoenix, this win was more than a stat line. It was a statement: they’re not just surviving without their stars — they’re thriving. And that’s the kind of resilience that wins championships.