The California Traditional has not been type to the San Antonio Spurs Summer season League squad. Of their first two video games, the Spurs had been blown out by extra skilled NBA rosters. Of their final recreation earlier than heading to Las Vegas for the remainder of Summer season League, San Antonio flipped the script with a dominant 89-67 win in opposition to the Chinese language Nationwide Staff.
San Antonio didn’t shoot over 30% from the sector in its first two video games. The offense wasn’t excellent in opposition to China, however it definitely improved. The Spurs shot 43.2% from the sector and 31.3% from deep. After taking part in free with the basketball of their first two video games, the Spurs turned the ball over simply 7 occasions whereas notching 20 assists as a crew. They turned up the defensive depth, forcing China to 17 turnovers and recording 12 shares (steals + blocks).
The Spurs had been led by their rookie duo of Stephon Fort and Harrison Ingram. Fort dominated the primary half with bodily finishes across the basket, and poise within the choose and roll. He completed with 18 factors, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and three steals on 8-21 taking pictures from the sector. Ingram constructed on a pleasant recreation on Sunday with a double-double on Tuesday. He was bodily on the glass and knocked down three triples on his technique to a 16 level, 10 rebound efficiency.
The Chinese language Nationwide crew had been blown out in all three of its California Traditional video games. They haven’t any NBA gamers on the roster (though Yang Hansen is a 2025 NBA Draft prospect). Enjoying properly in opposition to this crew just isn’t essentially an indicator of long run success. However the younger Spurs did sufficient within the recreation to move into Las Vegas with a little bit of momentum. They’ve an opportunity to indicate what they’ve received in opposition to NBA expertise after they face the Portland Path Blazers on July 13.
Observations:
Fort got here out of the gates robust with some good reads within the choose and roll and aggressive finishes on the rim. He seamlessly flowed on and off the ball to plug into regardless of the Spurs wanted on a given possession. At UCONN, Fort confirmed that his energy is certainly one of his finest belongings. He can end by means of defenders or put them by means of the basket. In simply two Summer season League video games, Fort has proven a stable base to construct upon.
After nailing two triples in his first Summer season League recreation, Spurs followers puzzled if Fort’s shot was higher than anticipated. Tuesday’s recreation introduced them again to actuality. He was 0-6 from deep, together with some ugly misses with nobody guarding him. Fort’s mechanics nonetheless want some work earlier than he’s a constant three-point menace. San Antonio desires him to be aggressive this summer time, so anticipate him to maintain firing from all around the court docket.
Regardless of Fort’s inconsistent taking pictures evening, he remained aggressive and engaged. That’s an indication of excessive character. On one play, Fort missed a large open nook three, chased his personal rebound, however the ball bounced to China. As a substitute of sulking and jogging again on protection, he swarmed the ball-handler from behind, secured the steal and gave San Antonio one other possession. Performs like that present Fort’s competitiveness and motor that made him a top-5 choose.
Ingram has been a blast to look at in Summer season League. He’s a enjoyable connective participant who can hit catch and shoot threes, assault a closeout and has some juice as a ball-handler. He’s not afraid to do the soiled work as he’s been a beast on the offensive glass. He’s robust sufficient to protect a number of positions, taking part in in and out. It’s exhausting to discover a place for him within the Spurs rotation subsequent season, however he’s a enjoyable depth piece who ought to develop some actual talent in Austin with the G League crew.
Jamaree Bouyea had his moments within the final two video games. He tallied 14 factors and 5 assists in opposition to China. He’s one of many faster guards on the court docket and has a easy deal with. His spin transfer in transition was among the finest open court docket performs we’ve seen in Summer season League. He’s somebody to keep watch over going into Las Vegas.
Nathan Mensah stepped up after two disappointing perfomrances. He had a pleasant recreation on each ends, defending the rim and dealing exhausting on the glass. He completed the sport with 9 factors, 6 rebounds and three blocks.
