Coming off a troublesome loss versus the Memphis Grizzlies, the Spurs returned house for a SEGABABA versus the Los Angeles Lakers. It was introduced hours earlier than tipoff that LeBron James wouldn’t play resulting from sciatica. Devin Vassell additionally remained out resulting from his adductor harm. Nonetheless, Victor Wembanyama was energetic. In what was one of many weirdest video games of the season, the Spurs saved a small lead over the Lakers for a lot of the recreation regardless of capturing 4 of 25 from three. Regardless of the off capturing night time, the Lakers managed to have a fair worse capturing night time. They shot 9 of 39 from three and 40% from the sector in comparison with 49% for the Spurs. The protection was on full show for the silver and black, as they held the Lakers to 91 factors and in the end took care of enterprise 107-91.
Keldon Johnson led the way in which off the bench with 27 factors (11-13 FG) and 6 rebounds. KJ matched his season-high and carried the Spurs offensively. He additionally drained two of the Spurs’ 4 three-pointers within the recreation. Keldon deserves each single little bit of reward, and video games like these proceed to convey sturdy momentum for not solely this group, however a possible 6MOTY.
MAKE WAY FOR KJ! Keldon drives previous Dalton Knecht and throws it down with one hand!
K3LDON! One of many Spurs’ uncommon threes got here on a unfastened ball that wound up in KJ’s fingers within the nook to beat the shot clock! Speak about proper place, proper time!
Victor Wembanyama dropped a double-double off the bench: 16 factors and 14 rebounds to associate with 4 blocks, two steals, and two assists. As a substitute of a high-scoring recreation, Vic hovered across the rim, fought for boards, and had extra power on the defensive finish. Capturing just below 50%, Wemby’s influence just isn’t solely on the court docket but in addition within the Frost Financial institution Heart, bringing an amazing power shift. Bringing him off the bench is like bringing Tim Duncan off the bench. It stays to be seen when he’ll be inserted again into the beginning lineup.
DPOY Issues! Wemby makes use of his endurance to foretell Luka Doncic’s shot try appropriately and pins it on the backboard!
ANOTHER SWAT! This time, Wemby corrals the Marcus Sensible floater with one hand!
Simply throw it up there! Jeremy Sochan dribbles into the paint, attracts two defenders, and lobs it up for a one-handed Wemby slam!
INCOMING FLYING SAUCER! After the missed Julian Champagnie three, Wemby skies in and slams house the ferocious putback!
Stephon Citadel dropped 15 factors, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, two steals, and a block. Steph lower down on the turnovers and took his time together with his photographs, capturing six of 10 from the sector. As soon as he’s underneath the basket, he someway can create house on the defender for tight window finishes. He ended up with 5 fouls as a result of powerful project of guarding Doncic. Nevertheless, he nonetheless performed 29 minutes and didn’t foul out.
AND-ONE! Steph drives into the lane previous Jake LaRavia, attracts a foul on Deandre Ayton, and finishes for an and-one!
One other drive, one other powerful end! This time, Steph drives on LaRavia and posterizes him!
De’Aaron Fox dropped 14 factors, 5 assists, three rebounds, and a steal. Fox struggled from the sector as soon as once more, capturing 5 of 14 and nil of six from three-point land. Fox has been on a chilly streak shooting-wise, however he dropped some spotlight dimes and received others concerned. If this group desires to be taken significantly as contenders, Fox goes to have to search out his shot as he did early within the season.
Alley-oop the opposite method! On the fastbreak, Wemby finds a chopping Fox on the lob for 2!
One other poster! After corralling the board, Fox leads the fastbreak and dishes it to Dylan Harper, who dunks on LaRavia!
Julian Champagnie dropped 11 factors, 9 rebounds, and three assists. Julian struggled capturing from the sector: (3-11 FG, 0-6 3PT). Nevertheless, he drew two fouls on three-point makes an attempt, leading to 5 made free throws. Regardless of the off capturing night time, Julian continues to defend properly irrespective of who he will get switched onto. Additionally, don’t neglect he has the hops to throw down a putback slam!
Luke Kornet dropped seven factors, six rebounds, two steals, and a dime. Luke made his fourth straight begin and continued to play solidly. The veteran massive set screens, corralled boards, and even made key defensive performs. Most of all, he as soon as once more threw down a lob for a slam! Shoutout to Harrison Barnes on the help!
This was a much-needed win after the final two blown losses. Although they didn’t fully cease Doncic, they had been in a position to include and tire him out within the fourth. This can go down as the most effective defensive performances of the season, and likewise the least quantity of made threes in a win. The center and soul of this group is Keldon, and the group leaned on his uber-efficient efficiency. Regardless of the win, the Spurs nonetheless want to enhance their capturing constantly. An enormous take a look at arrives this Saturday in Boston.
Lastly, listed here are the total recreation highlights.
The Spurs return on the street to tackle the Boston Celtics this Saturday at 7:00 P.M. (CST) on FDSN-SW.
