Followers obtained all they may have requested for out of a preseason sport, with Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holgren making their NBA debuts and placing on a first-half present, full with threes, dunks, and (playful) flexing at one another in a glimpse of what might very properly be the way forward for the league and revitalization of their 2010’s rivalry. The Spurs obtained out to a quick begin and led 81-74 on the half, however the Thunder have been the recent group within the second half, pulling forward and staving off a late rally because the Spurs fell 121-122.
Wembanyama led 5 Spurs in double figures with 20 factors on 8-13 capturing, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and a block. Holgren had 21 factors and 9 rebounds, all within the first half.
Observations
With Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan sitting this one out, there most likely isn’t an excessive amount of to glean from the beginning lineup, which included Julian Champagnie alongside Tre Jones, Devin Vassell, Zach Collins and Wemby. If nothing else, it is likely to be an indicator that Champagnie has earned a spot in the principle rotation — or it might be his likelihood to earn one. It’s simply too early to inform, however you may nonetheless take from it what you want.
After letting his teammates work for the primary jiffy, Wemby’s first factors got here on a putback of a missed free throw by Vassell, adopted by transition dunk. He additionally confirmed the world his defensive presence when Jalen Williams appeared to simply drive by him, just for him to show round and block the layup try with relative ease. He then drove proper via Holgren for the and-1 and dunked on him in transition. By the point his first stint was up, he had 10 factors on 4-5 capturing and was having loads of enjoyable. Two extra threes and a nifty reverse layup within the second quarter gave him 18 factors on the half.
The Spurs tried a couple of nearly court-length passes to Wemby on the quick break, however the first few have been quick and intercepted by the protection. The passes must be up excessive and forward of him, and he’ll get them. There’s that previous saying in soccer the place the right move is when the quarterback places the ball solely the place the vast receiver (however not a defender) can catch it. The identical rule applies with Wemby each out on the break and down within the submit, and as soon as his teammates be taught the place to place the ball for him, he’ll be practically unstoppable.
Cedi Osman and Doug McDermott regarded like a possible deadly mixture off the bench, which a collection of fairly passes for threes between one another, and McDermott was particularly sizzling with 10 first-half factors. Malaki Branham additionally began the preseason the place he left off in Summer time League (and final season) with 12 environment friendly factors within the first half.
Charles Bassey and Blake Wesley stuffed out the remainder of the second unit on the evening. Each regarded good on protection, however Wesley’s ending across the rim seems to nonetheless be a weak spot. His most maddening play was lacking a lay-up after Wemby had gotten the steal, dribbled it behind his again to achieve management, and dished it out to Wesley in transition. It was like he didn’t know the place we was relative to the basket and by no means regarded earlier than going into his layup movement. He has to be taught to complete the straightforward ones.
After a scorching first half full of pleasure and highlights for either side, the second half rather more resembled a preseason sport, particularly for the Spurs, with sloppier play and fewer vitality. Holgren sat out the second half whereas Wemby simply noticed 5 extra minutes earlier than sitting, and the Spurs offense went chilly. The fourth quarter was third unit time, and whereas it regarded like Thunder have been going to run away with the sport, a couple of pictures from Sir’Jabari Rice and Devonte’ Graham made issues attention-grabbing. They obtained inside one and had the ball for the ultimate possession, however Charles Bediako obtained stuffed and Graham missed a buzzer-beater three to make sure the loss. Of observe, the one out there participant who by no means noticed the court docket was Khem Birch.
After a sizzling scrimmage on Saturday recent off signing a brand new contract extension, Vassell had an off evening, scoring simply six factors on 2-7 capturing. It was comprehensible within the first half as he appeared to (accurately) acknowledge that Wemby was the recent hand and deferred to him, however when he tried to take over within the third quarter as the sport began slipping away, he was too far out of rhythm. Don’t be stunned if the Spurs work to get him going first within the subsequent sport.
The Spurs will make their dwelling preseason debut on Friday towards Jimmy Butler and the Miami Warmth. Tip-off has been moved to six:30 PM CT on TNT.
