From left, Spurs guard David Duke, Jr., drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons guard Malachi Flynn and guard Troy Brown, Jr., in the first half Sunday in San Antonio. (AP photo)

SAN ANTONIO — Sandro Mamukelashvili had 18 points and the San Antonio Spurs routed the Detroit Pistons 123-95 on Sunday to close disappointing seasons that both franchises hope will lead to promising futures.

Blake Wesley added 17 points for San Antonio. Zach Collins had 17 points and nine rebounds in 16 minutes before injuring his shoulder early in the second half.

San Antonio was without Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick in the draft and expected Rookie of the Year. Detroit was without Cade Cunningham, the top pick in 2021.

The Pistons (14-68) finished with the worst record in franchise history. The previous worst was 16-66 in 1980.

“In my opinion, we have dug the trenches for the foundation,” Detroit coach Monty Williams said. “This summer, we’ve got to pour the cement and see whose fingerprints are going to be in it.”

Pistons guard Dennis Smith Jr. brings the ball up court during the second half against the Indiana Pacers on Feb. 11, 2021, in Detroit. (AP file photo)

The Spurs (22-60) matched last season’s record, which was the third worst in franchise history but enabled them to draft Wembanyama.

On Sunday, the Spurs shot 54% from the field, had eight players score in double figures and 33 assists on 49 baskets.

James Wiseman had 21 points to lead Detroit. Marcus Sasser had 17 points and Jared Rhoden added 16.

Both teams played the finale with a skeleton crew due to injuries.

In addition to Cunningham, Detroit was without Jalen Duren, Simone Fontecchio, Isaiah Stewart and Ausar Thompson.

Along with Wembanyama, the Spurs were without Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, Malaki Branham, Cedi Osman and Dominik Barlow. The Spurs lost Collins two minutes into the second half with a right shoulder injury.

“He’ll get an MRI (Monday),” Spurs head coach Gregg

Without six of its top eight scorers to start the game, San Antonio still managed to shoot 62% from the field in the second quarter and lead by 27 points.

“They play hard, they play for each,” Popovich said. “That’s why I’ve said all the things that I’ve said all year about them. No need to repeat it, but it’s a hell of a good group.”

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba