Who’s received two thumbs and is utilizing certainly one of them to thumb via the standings to see the San Antonio Spurs atop the convention (nay, the league) alongside the defending champion Oklahoma Thunder? Positive, it’s solely 4 video games, however in the event you experience taking pleasure from a person who doesn’t know what 67 or “no cap” means, then by all means, rain on my parade.
The Spurs had their very own parade, working a fine-tuned offensive onslaught led by Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Fort, who had 24 and 22, respectively. Harrison Barnes logged essentially the most minutes and poured in 18 factors on 6 – 7 capturing, going 4 – 5 from downtown.
I solely have one phrase to explain this sequence: spatial consciousness. Wembanyama seemingly is aware of each the place to go and the place his defender(s) will go, creating area on his personal to assault the basket. The good Sean Elliott talked about Wembanyama taking zero threes on this recreation, making a degree of attacking the basket at each probability. He additionally solely took 8 pictures, getting his teammates concerned or letting them take cost.
WELCOME TO THE NBA CARTER BRYANT! The proficient rookie despatched this shot all the way in which to La Villita and made essentially the most of his elevated minutes, scoring his first NBA factors and enjoying powerful protection. The Spurs have a humiliation of riches with Bryant and fellow rookie Dylan Harper afforded the prospect to work on their craft behind “wily veterans” like Stephon Fort, Devin Vassell, and Keldon Johnson.
It’s value noting that on a extra veteran (or solidly contending group) squad, rookies like Carter Bryant would see extra time within the G League. Whereas which may nonetheless be a risk, this Spurs group appears intent on letting the younger gamers play actual NBA minutes in a baptism by fireplace.
Talking of rookies, how enjoyable has it been watching Dylan Harper play? He has a mature recreation for a rookie, which jogs my memory of sure different Spurs rookies in current reminiscence who additionally had NBA-ready video games early of their careers. Their names escape me. Rhymes with Frank Fort and Johnny Drama, however I can’t make sure.
I, together with billions of different Spurs followers, am beginning a petition to permit Spurs video games to go 18 innings so we will watch them play till 2 AM CDT whereas gorging on ballpark franks and Cracker Jack.
Typically I feel Wembanyama tires of the emphasis on his peak (I don’t blame him), and he’s mentioned as a lot. It solely is sensible that he’s going out of his strategy to exhibit his pure basketball expertise that aren’t height-exclusive, similar to this behind-the-back-cross-over transfer.
I’m right here for the soccer chants, however I’m staying for the Stephon Fort highlights.
Do you assume Wembanyama practices this transfer at house? I wager he does. He most likely runs it again a number of occasions in between chess strikes and tag group bear wrestling with Kevin Garnett.
If you happen to have been too busy going to mattress early so you may get up early to catch the tip of the World Collection, listed here are the full-game highlights:
Subsequent up, the Spurs host the Miami Warmth on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
