Malaki Branham, Julian Champagnie Lead Spurs to Win over Lakers in California Classic Finale
The San Antonio Spurs are leaving Sacramento with a perfect 2-0 record after beating the Los Angeles Lakers 109-99 at Golden 1 Center.
The Spurs and Lakers played a tight game in the first half, with San Antonio leading by five points at halftime, but San Antonio ran away with things in the third quarter to take a double-digit lead in the final frame.
From there, the Spurs cruised to their second victory in as many games in the California Classic.
San Antonio was led by Malaki Branham, the No. 20 overall pick in last year's draft. After sitting out of Monday's game, Branham made his presence felt, scoring a game-high 32 points in the win. Julian Champagnie also piggybacked off his successful showing on Monday with 28 points. Another second-year pro, Blake Wesley, chipped in with another all-around game at the point guard position, scoring 18 points while grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out five assists.
For the Lakers, Max Christie led all Los Angeles scorers with 25, while No. 17 pick Jalen Hood-Schifino added 20.
San Antonio looks sharp in its first two games, but the main event in Las Vegas is still ahead of the team.
No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama is expected to make his debut when the Spurs take the floor Friday night in Las Vegas against No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller and the Charlotte Hornets. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.
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