Coming off two powerful losses versus the Golden State Warriors, the Spurs appeared to get again on monitor with a win in opposition to the Sacramento Kings. Earlier than the sport, they realized that Victor Wembanyama wouldn’t play because of calf tightness. Nonetheless, the Spurs ventured on with out him from the leap. After main 36-24 after the primary quarter, the Spurs by no means relinquished the lead, regardless of a number of quick runs by the Kings. That they had seven gamers end in double figures in a 123-110 victory.
De’Aaron Fox led the best way in opposition to his former group with a double-double: 28 factors and 11 assists to go together with two rebounds and a steal. This bounce-back sport was wanted after a tough fourth-quarter efficiency in opposition to the Warriors. Particularly in Wemby’s absence, Fox drained most of his buckets within the first and the fourth. This efficiency additionally appeared to quiet the ‘commerce Fox” crowd. To sum it up: De’Aaron diced up his former group in a revenge sport.
Guard up! De’Aaron nails considered one of his 4 threes in stepback vogue over DeMar DeRozan!
Harrison Barnes dropped 20 factors (7-11 FG), three assists, two rebounds, and two steals. A step-up from Saturday’s sport, HB had himself a stable revenge sport in opposition to his former group, similar to Fox. If he retains this tempo up, HB would possibly get invited to the three-point contest in February.
BUCKET. HB beats Dennis Schroder to the cup and finishes with endurance!
Devin Vassell dropped 16 factors, seven assists, three rebounds, and two steals. One other bounce-back sport for a Spurs shooter: Dev might have struggled from three, however he was punishing the Kings from the midrange and inside. He additionally confirmed off his playmaking potential with seven dimes, primarily because of his taking part in level guard when Stephon Fortress injured his hip. Identical to this explosive poster on Domantas Sabonis, by no means depend out Dev’s sneaky athleticism!
Right here’s one other angle in your viewing pleasure.
Keldon Johnson dropped a double-double off the bench: 14 factors and 12 rebounds to go together with a dime. KJ introduced the spark plug with hustle and powerful finishes. Each time he steps on the courtroom, you may’t assist however discover the power he brings that lights the Frost Financial institution Middle on fireplace. For instance, he slammed dwelling two double-clutch fastbreak jams that put daggers into the Kings!
Each of those instances, KJ punishes the Kings’ lack of transition protection!
Rim-running demon on show!
Luke Kornet dropped a double-double in his first begin for the Spurs: 13 factors (5-5 FG) and 11 boards to go together with three blocks and a dime. Luke was environment friendly on each ends and stepped up for the silver and black with out Wemby. Not solely was he good from the sphere, however he swatted away three photographs and guarded the paint. This clearly nonetheless stays one of many extra underrated free-agent signings off the offseason.
Second-chance factors! Luke grabs the offensive board and finds a wide-open Steph Fortress on the prime of the important thing for 3! Steph dropped 4 factors, 5 assists, and a steal in 16 minutes (didn’t play the second half because of damage).
P&R Finisher! De’Aaron finds Luke for the alley-oop connection because of the glorious display and roll!
Julian Champagnie dropped 12 factors, two rebounds, and a steal. Identical to Saturday, Julian dropped well timed threes and performed first rate protection. It is going to be fascinating to see if Fortress misses time, as a result of Julian would probably begin in his place.
Extra second-chance factors! Jeremy Sochan snatches the offensive board from former Spur Drew Eubanks and finds a wide-open Julian for 3! Jeremy dropped 11 factors, 5 rebounds, and two assists. He turned some heads by pulling down two threes with much less of a hitch in his shot. If he continues to knock down these open threes constantly, his minutes should improve.
One other notable stat line: Kelly Olynyk dropped 5 factors, eight assists, and 6 rebounds in his 18 minutes. The most important takeaway from this victory: the Spurs handily took care of a group whereas being shorthanded. Although De’Aaron shone in a revenge sport, the entire group stepped up in Wemby’s absence. Apart from seven gamers scoring in double figures, the group dished out a season-high 38 assists! Now sitting at 9-4, the Spurs await to see the well being of Steph Fortress and Dylan Harper down the road.
Lastly, listed below are the total sport highlights.
The Spurs tackle the Memphis Grizzlies this Tuesday at 7:00 P.M. (CST) on NBC/Peacock.
