Coming off a dramatic Emirates NBA Cup semifinal versus the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, the Spurs took on the New York Knicks within the Emirates NBA Cup Championship sport. What ensued was an intense back-and-forth observe meet. Whereas the sport was shut, the Spurs managed to be in management, particularly within the third quarter. They even led by double-digits. Nonetheless, that 11-point lead rapidly evaporated to a five-point lead on the finish of the third, and sadly, it was solely the start of a collapse. The Knicks rapidly erased the deficit and constructed a lead of their very own throughout the early minutes of the fourth.
An enormous momentum swing occurred with the Spurs down by seven with 7:40 remaining within the sport. Luke Kornet was whistled for a late offensive foul name whereas Julian Champagnie drained a 3. Mitch Johnson challenged the decision, whereas extraordinarily heated, and gained the problem. Nonetheless, Mitch Johnson obtained a technical foul, and the referees wiped the Champagnie three off the board whereas the Spurs inbounded from the sideline. There was additionally a key second the place OG Anunoby was saving the ball from going out of bounds whereas his foot was out of bounds. The referees didn’t name it. Nonetheless, with underneath 4 minutes remaining, the Spurs have been forcing photographs, throwing unhealthy passes, and regarded like a crew that ran out of fuel. The Knicks in the end gained 124-113.
Dylan Harper led the crew off the bench with 21 factors (5-7 3PT) and 7 rebounds. The Knicks left the rookie open a number of instances, and he took benefit of the alternatives. He’s getting nice expertise enjoying alongside De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Fort, whereas additionally main the cost as the primary level guard off the bench. If he performs 65+ video games, he’s a lock for the All-Rookie First Staff.
In case you forgot, he’s a lefty. Dylan drives on Josh Hart and finishes sturdy with the lefty off the glass!
SPLASH. Dylan drains one in all his 5 threes, and it turns into an and-one alternative!
Victor Wembanyama dropped 18 factors, six boards, two blocks, an help, and a steal off the bench. Vic got here off the bench for his second straight sport again from harm and performed 25 minutes. He went on a scorching streak within the third by draining a few threes, mid-ranges, and alley-oop finishes, however he went ice chilly within the fourth. As a substitute of driving to the basket as he did within the first half, he began settling for fast photographs early within the shot clock. Nonetheless, with this solely being his second sport again, he’s nonetheless shaking off some rust.
CASH. Wemby comes off the pin-down display and nails the simple mid-range!
JUST THROW IT UP THERE PART ONE: Wemby finishes the alley-oop jam with a reverse!
JUST THROW IT UP THERE PART TWO: Fort recovers the free ball and throws it up for under Wemby to complete!
De’Aaron Fox dropped 16 factors, 9 assists, two rebounds, and a steal. He confirmed off artful strikes within the lane and from the midrange, with a aspect of deep threes. Nonetheless, he additionally turned the ball over 5 instances. In direction of the center of the fourth, he struggled to get again on observe. Regardless, he most positively would have gained the Cup MVP if the silver and black got here out on high.
Watch your step! D-Fox makes use of the display from Luke Kornet and nails the midrange jumper!
Limitless Vary! D-Fox reveals off the uncommon deep three from the wing!
Stephon Fort dropped 15 factors, 12 assists, seven rebounds, and a block. A close to triple-double on an off capturing evening for Steph as he shot 5 of 15 from the sector. Steph was dropping dimes left and proper, particularly within the first quarter, the place he dropped seven. The rising variety of assists each sport is proof of how Steph’s sport is continually evolving from only a slasher. Count on him to proceed to work on his late-game turnovers.
Protection to Offense! Wemby strips Hart and throws a wonderful go to Steph on the fastbreak for the simple slam!
Fastbreak ending three! Steph spots up within the nook and knocks down the three close to crunchtime within the fourth.
Luke Kornet dropped 14 factors (7-9 FG), six rebounds, and one dime. Luke continues to start out and excel as a choose and curler. Of his seven buckets, most of them got here off of lob passes. Will probably be curious to see whether or not Mitch will proceed to start out as Wemby ramps again to regular enjoying time.
Lob Metropolis Finisher Half One: Steph finds Luke on the alley-oop connection, and Luke slams it down with two arms for security!
Lob Metropolis Finisher Half Two: This time, D-Fox finds a slicing Luke on the fastbreak for the alley-oop slam!
Lob Metropolis Finisher Half Three: Steph finds Luke once more for the lob connection early within the third!
Devin Vassell dropped 12 factors, 5 rebounds, and three assists. He struggled from the sector, capturing 4 of 14. Regardless, he additionally performed stable protection towards a number of Knicks. He’ll proceed to be the x-factor for the silver and black. Whereas streaky, Dev can flip it on, particularly on each ends. His capacity to not solely get to his spots but additionally discover his shot would be the distinction maker through the season.
POSTER ALERT! Dev cuts into the lane and glides to the rim with two arms over Anunoby!
Harrison Barnes dropped 11 factors, three rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block. Though he was in double figures, HB has now gone 0 for 12 in his final two video games from three. It’s a chilly streak to regulate, particularly contemplating he was capturing 40% from three coming into Las Vegas. Search for him to hopefully flip it round as the center of the season approaches.
Unc’ nonetheless bought it! HB grabs the offensive board and finishes over Anunoby for the and-one!
What a run. Though the consequence was a loss, the Spurs put the NBA on discover. After making it out of the group of dying, they defeated the Lakers with out Wemby, took down the reigning champs on a 16-game profitable streak, and fought close to the tip towards among the finest groups within the East. This can solely gas the will to make the playoffs this season and make a run. Additionally, in case anybody was questioning, this sport won’t depend in the direction of the crew’s report, and the stats within the sport additionally don’t depend. Ultimately, the Spurs have been enjoying with home cash, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of.
Lastly, listed below are the complete sport highlights.
The Spurs return residence to tackle the Washington Wizards on Thursday at 7:00 P.M. (CST) on FDSN-SW.
