Utah builds the cushion San Antonio cannot erase
The Utah Jazz defeated the San Antonio Spurs 119–109 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, October 12, using a strong third quarter to establish the decisive advantage. The game finished on Tuesday, October 13, Philippine time.
Utah led 33–26 after the first quarter, and both teams scored 35 in the second to leave the Jazz ahead 68–61 at halftime. The separation came after the break, when Utah outscored San Antonio 31–17 and carried a 99–78 lead into the fourth.
San Antonio won the final period 31–20, cutting the deficit considerably without overturning the result. Utah moved to 2–1 in preseason, while the Spurs fell to 0–3.
Darryn Peterson recorded 14 points and five assists for Utah. Ja’Kobi Gillespie scored 25 for San Antonio, Harrison Barnes added 19, and Tarris Reed Jr. collected 17 rebounds.
The Spurs played without Victor Wembanyama and several other regulars. Wembanyama was rested, while the team’s availability list also included injury absences. De’Aaron Fox had a hip issue and Carter Bryant an ankle problem.
The depleted lineup gave San Antonio’s available players more work, but it also limits the conclusions that can be drawn from the result. Preseason games do not count toward regular-season standings, and this matchup did not feature the Spurs’ intended full rotation.