After three strong video games in Las Vegas, the Summer time Spurs had an opportunity to make the semi-finals on Sunday with a win over the Philadelphia 76ers and loss from both Golden State or Miami, however as a substitute, the sloppy, disjointed model of the crew we noticed in Sacramento made a return. The Spurs struggled to attain and maintain on to the ball within the first quarter, getting down 25-12 with six turnovers.
They made a valiant comeback try within the center quarters led by Jamaree Bouyea, even briefly taking the lead in third quarter, however they ran out of gasoline within the fourth because the 76ers ran away with the sport within the closing minutes, handing them the 96-80 loss. The defeat strikes the Spurs to 3-1 and too far again in point-differential if a tie-breaker is required, so their Summer time League is over no matter some other outcomes.
Observations
Stephon Fort can definitely make the case for being the Spurs’ finest participant in Summer time League when he was out there, however Jamaree Bouyea was their MVP. He scored 8 factors in second quarter to assist lead Spurs again and helped preserve the Spurs alive all through the sport, ending with 15 factors and 6 steals. (In case you didn’t know, he owns a tie for a G League file of 9 steals in a recreation.) There may be zero purpose to imagine he gained’t stay a Spurs two-way participant subsequent season, and who is aware of? With each Chris Paul and Tre Jones hitting free company subsequent summer season, he may earn himself extra.
Harrison Ingram was the one one who had something going early for the Spurs, scoring their first six factors, and he remained strong all recreation with 14 factors on 3-5 capturing from three, 9 rebounds, and three assists. He’s wanting like a really strong decide at forty eighth, and I anticipate him to signal a two-way contract with the Spurs. He appears adequate to be extra than simply an Austin Spur however nonetheless may use loads of reps there.
Sidy Cissoko will get a little bit of a go contemplating he was coming off minor knee surgical procedure, however nonetheless, he lacks an offensive recreation exterior of passing. His solely two factors got here from the road, and he was 0-3 from past the arc. His protection and flashes on the offensive facet nonetheless make him a tantalizing prospect with an unknown ceiling at this level, however he’ll nonetheless seemingly begin the season on the skin of the rotation and spending time in Austin to hone that facet of his recreation.
I like Riley Minix’s offensive recreation. He has a tender contact exterior and strikes nicely each with and with out the ball. It wasn’t his finest capturing evening, capturing simply 2-7 from the sphere, however even his misses look good after they go away his palms. I wouldn’t thoughts seeing him with the Austin Spurs to see if he can work his approach up.
It’s a disgrace David Duke Jr. by no means received an opportunity to make a case for himself in SL because of a hip situation. He appeared good as a possible 3&D wing in a couple of video games on the finish of the common season, he was a part of the mass-wave that helped make cap house for Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes. He may all the time return on a two-way deal once more, however it most likely would have helped if he may have made a case for himself in Vegas.
And with that, we’ve formally hit the doldrums of the low season. Barring any extra surprising strikes, the Spurs have stuffed up their 15 most important roster spots, however nonetheless have two two-ways to work with. The subsequent precise recreation would be the Spurs’ preseason opener in opposition to the Thunder on October 7.
We respect all you Pounders do to maintain us going Remember to stick round all summer season for extra Spurs protection, Victor Wembanyama on the Olympics, and some other off-the-wall content material we are able to consider. Comfortable Summer time!
