Coming off a three-game profitable streak with out Victor Wembanyama, Dylan Harper, and principally Stephon Citadel, the Spurs regarded to start out their west coast street journey with a victory. Their first cease? A rematch of the Phoenix Suns. What began as a tough taking pictures half for Phoenix, the Spurs truly regarded just like the extra poised workforce, main at half by seven. Nevertheless, an previous thorn within the Spurs’ facet reared its ugly head. As soon as once more, the Spurs watched a lead slip away within the third quarter and received outscored by the Suns 37-24. Heading into the fourth, solely down by six, the Spurs had an opportunity to make a comeback of their very own. Sadly, identical to the third quarter, the Suns began making their threes and stopped the silver and black’s comeback hopes. The Spurs in the end misplaced 111-102.
De’Aaron Fox led the best way with 26 factors (14-16 FT), 5 rebounds, and three assists. De’Aaron shot 5 for eleven within the recreation, however discovered veteran methods to get to the free-throw line. He continues his scorching streak of scoring at the least 24+ factors, and it sits at 5 straight video games. He’ll should proceed to shoulder the scoring load for an additional week at the least, until Citadel and/or Harper come again in time for NBA Cup play.
Splashtown. De’Aaron knocked down one among his two threes early on within the first quarter!
Devin Vassell dropped 17 factors, 4 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and a steal. Dev shot 5 of 13 from the sphere, together with three of seven from three-point vary. It’s an encouraging signal to see him being aggressive, however he’s taking pictures 40.5% from the sphere this season thus far. If his effectivity doesn’t enhance within the coming weeks, conversations would possibly begin occurring.
Artful! Jeremy Sochan finds Dev on the backdoor lower, and he finishes with a layup below the basket!
Keldon Johnson dropped 14 factors, six rebounds, and two assists. KJ shot an environment friendly six of eight from the sphere, together with two of three from deep. He continues to carry power and hustle off the bench, however sadly, the spark was not on the defensive facet.
Harrison Barnes dropped 11 factors, three rebounds, three assists, and a steal. HB shot 5 from eleven from the sphere, and left some factors on the court docket by lacking two threes. He confirmed some basic vet strikes by exhibiting off the deceleration within the paint, however he was not like his Mr. 100% self.
Julian Champagnie dropped a double-double: 10 factors and 12 rebounds to go together with an help and a steal. Julian could have impressed on the glass, however he struggled from the sphere: (3-14 FG, 2-9 3PT). Similar to Dev, Julian is now taking pictures just below 41% for the season. The distinction between the 2, nonetheless, is their contract conditions.
Nook Specialist! Julian drains the nook three late within the first!
One other recreation, one other slam! Luke Kornet fires off a no-look go to Julian on the lower for the slam dunk!
Jeremy Sochan dropped seven factors, 5 rebounds, and an help. It was not the very best evening for Jeremy, as he completed with the worst plus-minus on the workforce with -17. Nonetheless, his perimeter protection nonetheless makes him a participant price enjoying. Nevertheless, with the Spurs not extending his contract this offseason, he nonetheless has to show himself each evening.
Spin cycle! Jeremy spins off of Collin Gillespie and slams it residence for 2!
Carter Bryant dropped 5 factors and three rebounds in eight minutes. He regarded aggressive in key spots and confirmed off the ending abilities on the fastbreak! It’s nonetheless November, however Carter’s protection and ending skill could earn him some extra minutes afterward within the season. Particularly if he can knock down the three-ball at a constant price.
This recreation was a bizarre one. This was the primary time since December 4th, 2022, that the Spurs completed a recreation with fewer than 20 assists. The streak was at 237 consecutive video games and was the longest in NBA historical past. The third-quarter woes should be addressed if this workforce desires to be taken significantly amongst playoff contenders. Although the workforce has handled accidents, they nonetheless managed to carry a double-digit lead towards a workforce that appears higher than final yr. Nonetheless, the aim this week is to remain afloat and look forward to reinforcements.
Lastly, listed below are the complete recreation highlights.
The Spurs tackle the Portland Path Blazers in NBA Cup Group C play on Wednesday at 9:00 P.M. (CST) on FDSN-SW.
