After two video games of highlights and pleasure for the San Antonio Spurs, they performed extra like a preseason workforce in a 99-89 loss to the Houston Rockets. Whereas the Spurs rotation gamers had a largely optimistic sport, the tip of the bench allowed the Rockets to outscore them 36-13 within the fourth quarter, blowing the 76-63 lead San Antonio constructed within the first three intervals.
Zach Collins led the way in which for San Antonio, posting an efficient stat line of 18 factors, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 block in 22 minutes of play. Amen Thompson led the way in which for the Rockets, scoring 15 factors on 6-13 taking pictures from the sphere.
Observations
With no Victor Wembanyama or Devin Vassell, there was a transparent void within the scoring division. Collins stepped up, dominating the low submit and hitting just a few three-pointers. He was far and away the most effective participant on the courtroom for both workforce, impacting the sport on each ends.
With Tre Jones taking the day without work, the Spurs as soon as once more took a by-committee strategy to facilitating duties. Collins was their fundamental initiator within the half courtroom. Jeremy Sochan and Cedi Osman introduced the ball up on most possessions. Sochan had a pleasant stretch within the third quarter the place he seemed like he settled into the function, scoring through again cuts on fast give and go’s. Osman seemed extra comfy with the ball in his arms. Sochan completed the sport with 13 factors and 4 steals. Osman scored 9 factors and added in 7 rebounds and a pair of assists.
It was Keldon Johnson’s first sport of the preseason, and he seemed like a participant who has taken one other step in his growth. Johnson put up 11 factors, 4 assists and a pair of steals. He backed up his feedback on bettering his protection. His off-ball rotations have been crisp, and he had a pleasant block coming from the weak aspect.
This was a sloppy sport from each groups. The Spurs turned the ball over 18 instances, whereas Houston turned it over 16 instances (that’s 34 complete turnovers for many who are asking.) Usually instances a block or a turnover could be answered with one other turnover or errant shot. Particularly the fourth quarter when the Rockets went on their large run. It was a preseason sport by way of and thru.
The Spurs have been abused on the glass and within the paint in opposition to Miami of their final contest. They corrected that in opposition to Houston. The Spurs have been solely out rebounded by 2, and out rebounded them offensively 10-8. They blocked 9 photographs and gave up simply 34 factors within the paint. Collins and Osman have been significantly good at defending the paint.
