The Brooklyn Nets went all-in a number of years again on the tandem of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, finally doubling down and bringing James Harden into the fold after his first commerce demand. That trio, for quite a lot of causes, failed to supply the type of outcomes some individuals have been anticipating, and Harden’s 2nd commerce request in as a few years bought the ball rolling on the top of yet one more short-lived period for the Nets. They have been capable of pivot fairly effectively, all issues thought-about, turning their large 3 for a bunch of property. Their most notable acquisition, the NBA’s reigning Ironman Mikal Bridges, came visiting within the commerce that despatched Durant to the Phoenix Suns. This season has been a wrestle, however they’re nonetheless within the early phases of a rebuild that they hope Bridges will likely be a key piece of.
San Antonio comes into tonight’s sport with an opportunity to get into the win column for the primary time on this season’s Rodeo Highway Journey. This sport and the next one in opposition to the Toronto Raptors are the one video games to function Spurs opponents who’re underneath .500 on the well-known highway journey this yr. The Spurs have appeared a little bit gassed on the finish of their previous few video games, even with 4 days off earlier than the loss to the Miami Warmth. A successful file throughout this stretch stays unlikely, however choosing up a win or two may very well be an encouraging signal for a workforce that most likely can’t wait to get to subsequent October and begin this factor contemporary as soon as once more.
San Antonio Spurs (10-42) at Brooklyn Nets (20-31)
February tenth 2024 | 5:00 PM CT
Watch: KENS | Hear: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Accidents: Charles Bassey, out for the yr
Nets Accidents: Lonnie Walker IV, hamstring (possible), Cameron Johnson, adductor (OUT), Day’Ron Sharpe, knee (OUT)
What to look at for
Mikal Bridges is having a very good yr for Brooklyn from a person standpoint. Final season he got here in and had some extraordinary performances after the Durant commerce, however questions abounded about his potential to do it as a 1st possibility throughout a complete season after spending the primary few years of his profession in a supporting position for the Suns. In 51 contests this season, he’s averaging 22-5-4 on 45% capturing from the sector and 37% from past the arc on practically 7 makes an attempt a sport.
22 yr previous capturing guard Cam Thomas is the Nets 2nd main scorer behind Bridges. After coming off the bench for almost all of his first two seasons, Thomas has began 27 of his 42 video games performed for Brooklyn this season. Thomas, a scorer at coronary heart, has proven the flexibility to get sizzling fast, as evidenced by his 3 video games of 40+ factors in a season that has seemingly been stuffed with them.
Devin Vassell notched the third 30 level sport of each his season and profession within the loss to the Magic, exploding within the third quarter of that sport to maintain the Spurs considerably in hanging distance. Whereas it hasn’t at all times appeared nice this season, Vassell has made actual strides because the yr has gone on. He’s capturing a career-best 47% from the sector whereas making 36% of his 3-point makes, most of which have seemingly been made underneath duress, whereas his chemistry with Wemby appears to be like prefer it’s beginning to bear some actual fruit. Right here’s to his good well being and hopefully one other 30 level sport.
Victor Wembanyama performed simply 22 minutes within the SEGABABA loss to the Magic Thursday night time. Whereas it will be good to see him persistently having his enjoying time approaching/firmly into not less than the 30 minute mark, this season is basically over from a aggressive standpoint for the Spurs. If there have been ever any doubts, the main target after the commerce deadline is clearly on enjoying and growing the blokes that they’ve, and whereas enjoying time continues to be essential for the younger rookie phenom, he’s additionally arguably the one participant with the least quantity of query marks on the roster. Greatest to play him, however preserve him contemporary for when the Spurs finally (hopefully?) make a transition to their successful methods as soon as once more.
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