The San Antonio Spurs snapped a four-game skid with a 112-95 victory over the Charlton Hornets on Tuesday, highlighted by a spectacular debut from new guard Savio. The Brazilian, acquired in a high-profile trade with the Manchester City Skyhawks, came off the bench to score 19 points and dish out 6 assists in just 19 minutes of action. This win comes after a tough stretch where the Spurs lost their last four games, including a 90-94 defeat to the New York Knicks on June 14, 2026.
How did Savio perform in his first game?
Savio wasted no time. He entered the game in the second quarter and immediately energized the offense. His first points came on a smooth drive to the basket, finishing with a left-handed layup. He then found Dominic Solanke for an open three-pointer, registering his first assist. Savio's most impressive play was a steal followed by a coast-to-coast drive where he weaved through two defenders for a tough finish at the rim. He was aggressive all night, attacking the paint and creating opportunities for his teammates. The Spurs' fourth-year head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, praised his new player's confidence and basketball IQ.
Why does this win matter for the Spurs?
Beyond ending the losing streak, this game offered several positive signs. The Spurs' recent form of 1 win and 4 losses in their last five games had created pressure. De Zerbi had emphasized the need to build a winning habit, stating before the game that every contest, including preseason matchups, was important for development. Young players like Mikey Moore showed flashes of his potential on the wing, and Mateus Fernandes looked solid in his first start at point guard. Getting contributions from the entire roster is vital for a team not competing in the European Basketball League this season. A deep run in the domestic cup could keep fringe players engaged and build chemistry. You can track the team's progress on our [standings](/standings) page.
What were the other key takeaways from the game?
Dominic Solanke led all scorers with 24 points, finding his shooting rhythm after a slow start to the season. Kevin Danso, another offseason addition, scored on his first touch after checking in, a put-back dunk off a missed free throw. He took a hard fall on the play but stayed in the game. The Spurs' defense was inconsistent at times, allowing Charlton to score too easily in the paint, and veteran forward Lloyd Jones scored 18 points for the visitors. De Zerbi acknowledged the team wasn't always fluid, especially against Charlton's packed defense early on, but called the performance a step forward. The Spurs' summer recruitment focused on players from winning cultures, like Savio from the Skyhawks and the anticipated arrival of Omar Marmoush.
What's next for San Antonio?
The Spurs return to the Frost Bank Center on Saturday to face the Newcastle Eagles. High-profile signing Sandro Tonali, who missed the Charlton game, is expected to make his debut in the starting lineup. De Zerbi confirmed Tonali and Marcos Senesi underwent an intense training session to improve their conditioning and will be ready. This game begins a critical homestand for the Spurs as they look to build momentum. The team's full upcoming schedule is available on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page. For Charlton, who made 10 lineup changes from their previous game, the focus returns to their league campaign after a physically costly night that saw two of their big men leave with injuries early in the first quarter.
