Dominant Spurs stumble in Utah, lose 101-106.

After a 5-0 start to the season, as chemistry began to blend, the Spurs were walloped by a rival of old in the Utah Jazz, led by 36 points from Donovan Mitchell. A tale of two halves, San Antonio saw a strong lead evaporate, recovered to pose a road stand, before the wheels finally came off for the champs.

The first half was amazing to see: Buddy Hield was 4-4 from 3PT territory, then Fred VanVleet (20 points, 5-9 3PT, 3 steals) reminded everyone he's a deadly sniper all his own. Paul Millsap sparked the bench with 10 early points and Dejounte Murray dunked past Mitchell, who staggered to the hardwood. The Jazz went down by 20 points, after a spread of 26-19 & 38-30, for it seemed the Spurs would cruise to a sixth win on the season.

Mitchell rallied his team into owning the 3rd Quarter, 34-20, then 23-17 to fend off the resilient Spurs.

San Antonio got within 3 points after a 10 point swing, but just couldn't find a rhythm all night and there were signs of it, even in the first half of play. VanVleet had his eye on stealing the show as he's done in huge games for the Spurs in years past, but couldn't overcome the tough Utah defense. To the Jazz's credit, their choice to double-team Freddie V and Hield was very profitable.

Utah was also more aggressive, hitting 27 free throws and Andre Drummond (8 points, 8 rebounds, despite an insane highlight reel block on the Jazz early) fouled out, with Kevin Love scoreless in his stead.  Otto Porter, Jr. was a chilly 3-10 and Brandon Ingram scored just 13 points, on a rough 4-13 (0-3 3PT) showing. Dejounte Murray had an impressive evening, but was unable to muster a powerhouse performance (13 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists). A momentous dunk opportunity was blocked, also in highlight reel worthiness, by Rudy Gobert (18 rebounds).

"We're not there yet," Coach Popovich said post-game, noting the new roster would take time to gel, despite a "misleading" 5-0 start to the season. "I'm confident we will. That first half made me smile, but we gotta do it for a whole game. Too many fouls. It's a rivalry for a reason."