Coming off a troublesome loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, the Spurs seemed to regroup heading into the beginning of NBA Cup group play. Their first Cup match of the season was at house versus the Houston Rockets. After a struggling 22 minutes of Spurs basketball (marred by poor taking pictures and lazy turnovers), a swap flipped. The Spurs erased a double-digit deficit in a flash and really took a one-point lead heading into halftime. From there, the threes began to fall, and the steals started to pile up. The Rockets would hold tempo, however the Spurs would keep the lead by exploiting the 2-3 zone deployed by Rockets coach Ime Udoka, and getting their fingers in passing lanes. Kevin Durant ended up with eight turnovers because of this. The Spurs finally pulled out a gutsy win, 121-110, and are presently in first place for West Group C.
Victor Wembanyama had a pleasant bounce-back sport with 22 factors (8-16 FG), (6-6 FT), eight rebounds, 4 assists, two blocks, and a steal. After a struggling first half, Wemby scored 18 of his 22 factors within the second half. He now appears to be like like he’s beginning to determine double-teams and making well timed choices when he catches the ball within the put up. Hopefully, he continues to be affected person and doesn’t get too annoyed with the way in which groups are defending him. Actually, he’s too proficient to not determine it out.
How do you defend this? Wemby takes Amen Thompson to the outlet with brute energy and finishes off the glass for 2!
POSTER ALERT! Wemby posterizes his idol KD on the rim!
ALLEY-OOP! Steph Fortress dices up the zone by driving in and lobbing it to Vic for the simple slam!
CLUTCH! Wemby takes the turnaround jumper over Thompson to present the Spurs’ lead extra cushion!
Harrison Barnes led the way in which with 24 factors (6-9 3PT), 5 rebounds, two assists, and two steals. HB was on fireplace from three! Followers who stated he’s misplaced a step might need to assume once more. If he maintains this taking pictures tempo, it could be difficult to exchange him within the beginning lineup when the workforce returns to full well being.
Tear drop! Certainly one of HB’s non-threes of the evening goes in after some artful strikes!
Julian Champagnie dropped 22 factors (6-13 3PT), seven rebounds, 4 steals, an help, and a block. This goes up there with certainly one of Juju’s greatest video games of his profession. Not solely was he on fireplace from three, however he obtained busy within the passing lanes and picked up 4 steals. Similar to HB, his 3 and D play might hold him within the beginning lineup.
CHAMPAGNI3! Certainly one of Juju’s six threes got here late within the fourth when the workforce wanted it most! Because of Fortress’s offensive board, Juju was broad open and made it rain!
Devin Vassell dropped 15 factors, 4 steals, three assists, and three boards. Though he struggled from the sector, Dev’s threes have been well timed momentum shifters. Additionally, his 4 steals solidify his effort and tenacity on protection. Search for him to extend his effectivity towards New Orleans.
AND-ONE THREE BALL! Dev will get fouled by Josh Okogie on the three for the four-point play!
Stephon Fortress dropped a double-double: 14 factors and 13 assists to go together with six rebounds, two steals, and a block. Steph sparked the Spurs’ comeback late within the second with a pair of spotlight performs! He went up sturdy towards Alperen Sengun and obtained the deuce to go, after which with 5 seconds to go within the half, he stole the inbounds cross and completed an and-one bucket on the opposite finish! His velocity and energy carried him on these performs, and his diming means was on show tonight with double-digit assists. Though De’Aaron Fox will likely be returning, Steph has proven flashes of being an honest level guard. That being stated, his turnovers might show to be the rationale why he’s higher suited as a two-guard.
Keldon Johnson offered a spark plug off the bench with eight factors, six rebounds (5 offensive), 4 assists, and a steal. It’s stunning to see Keldon thriving in his position off the bench! To this point this season, he’s offered the squad with hustle performs and key offensive rebounds. One of the important issues with this workforce final season was rebounding, so it’s inspiring to see Keldon work on offering the workforce a spark on the glass and giving them second possibilities.
An instance from above: KJ will get the offensive board and makes use of his energy to place it again up and in!
All in all, this was an amazing win to begin NBA Cup Group Play! The workforce didn’t change into complacent after they have been down, they usually tightened up defensively towards the highest-scoring offense within the league. They nonetheless must work on limiting their turnovers, however think about what this workforce’s potential will likely be when Fox returns. Oh, wait, he’s returning towards the Pelicans later tonight. Then, Luke Kornet and Dylan Harper are anticipated to make their returns inside the coming weeks. Simply in case you’ll want to remind your family and friends, it’s not too late to hitch the Spurs’ bandwagon!
Lastly, listed below are the total sport highlights.
The Spurs keep at house and tackle the New Orleans Pelicans tonight at 7:00 P.M. (CST) on FDSN-SW.
