Spurs rout Kings 126-97 as San Antonio builds 34-point lead by halftime

On Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Sacramento Kings 126-97 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. The margin of victory was 29 points.

The Spurs won the first quarter 42-18 and took control of the game from the start. They added 29 points in the second quarter, and the score at halftime was 71-37. The Kings were held to 37 points in the first half.

The Kings outscored the Spurs 35-30 in the third quarter, and the score became 101-72. The Kings cut into the lead but could not overturn the Spurs' advantage.

Both teams scored 25 points in the fourth quarter, and the final score was 126-97. The Spurs did not fall apart offensively in any of the four quarters and showed steady scoring throughout the game.

NBA games are played in four 12-minute quarters. The cumulative points in each quarter serve as an indicator of the game's momentum at that point. Because the gap was large in the first half, the Kings were forced to chase in the second half.

For the Kings, narrowing the gap quarter by quarter in the second half is a positive to build on for their next game. For the Spurs, the key question is whether they can maintain their first-half offense. Both teams' next games will be closely examined along with how individual players are used.

Basketball Press view

This game was one in which the Spurs built their lead from the first quarter and took a 34-point advantage by halftime, largely deciding the outcome. In the NBA, the first-half scoring margin often determines who controls a game, and this result follows that pattern. The Kings stepped up their attack in the third quarter but could not close the gap. Following the scoring progression quarter by quarter shows how the game unfolded.

This article was written by the Basketball Press editors based on the cited reports. Please check the source for full details and exact figures.