The San Antonio Spurs discovered themselves down by 16 factors at halftime after the Utah Jazz had constructed a 20-point lead within the second quarter. Utah it shot after shot, whereas the Spurs’ offense struggled to seek out traction. One thing clicked at halftime because the Spurs outscored the Jazz 75-51 within the second half to choose up their eighth win of the season 126-118.
San Antonio bought an enormous evening from veteran wing, Harrison Barnes. He led the staff in scoring with 25 factors and grabbed 10 rebounds, 5 of which got here on the offensive glass the place he safe essential further possessions for the Spurs whereas they have been surging. Barnes has been lights out from deep this season, capturing 42.6% from past the arc. He was 4-5 on Thursday, hitting some troublesome photographs like this prayer late within the shot clock.
Barnes hasn’t been a one-trick pony spot-up shooter for the Spurs. He’s been lively in attending to the basket in transition or attacking closeouts. His creativity across the basket has been one of many extra enjoyable wrinkles to San Antonio’s offense this yr. He’s bought sluggish steps, reverses and pivots across the basket that hold defenders off guard. He’s been a really strong veteran presence for the Spurs.
Final season a kickout to a large open participant within the nook didn’t essentially imply the ball was getting in with the Spurs lack of capturing. It felt automated on Thursday in Barnes’ fingers.
Barnes’ final shot of the evening was the dagger. Charles Bassey noticed a bunch of teal jerseys (GREAT uniforms, by the best way) and tossed the swing cross after the brief roll. Sadly he was throwing to gamers that have been out of bounds. Barnes saved the ball, set his toes and nailed the three ball to place the Jazz away.
Bassey made probably the most of his alternatives as soon as once more with elevated minutes. He had 11 factors, 9 rebounds and 6 blocks (!!) in 27 minutes off the bench. The massive man offered continuous vitality on each ends. Each Zach Collins and Bassey have made an influence whereas Victor Wembanyama misses time with a knee damage.
What makes Bassey so interesting as a bench possibility is his exercise. The Spurs protection doesn’t endure when he’s within the recreation. Positive, his offense is restricted to rolls, cuts and put backs, however he greater than makes up for it along with his effort. Bassey will get out in transition and make performs occur, like this lob end courtesy of Stephon Citadel.
An issue for the Spurs final season was the defensive drop off when Wembanyama wasn’t on the ground. Having a participant like Bassey who can shield the rim whereas the large man will get a relaxation may also help remedy that concern. Nobody within the league can match Wembanyama’s rim safety, however Bassey gave his finest imitation with 6 blocks.
The Spurs’ depth confirmed up throughout the board. Tre Jones had a strong recreation with 11 factors and a pair of assists. Right here he connects with Bassey on the lob within the half courtroom.
The Spurs protection pressured 14 Jazz turnover, and held them to 41.8% capturing from the sector. This steal and layup on the buzzer capped the Spurs 34-point third quarter and bought them prepared for a 41-point fourth quarter efficiency.
The Spurs have been led in crunch time by the veteran, Chris Paul, and the rookie, Citadel. CP3 had 13 factors and 10 assists, and Citadel put up 18 factors and 6 assists. The guard duo was unbelievable down the stretch because the Spurs took management. Their chemistry is rising by the sport.
Citadel’s courtroom imaginative and prescient has been spectacular as a rookie. Whether or not it’s attending to the paint like this play, or skipping passes on the perimeter, he is aware of the place to be and who to get the ball to. Perhaps there was one thing to the rook’s request to play level guard within the NBA.
This is the reason you commerce for Chris Paul. Have a look at him methodically put the items in place right here to set Stephon Citadel up for the and-1. The Spurs look competent with out Victor Wembanyama, and their younger guys are studying constructive, profitable habits.pic.twitter.com/em2WItyXjn
— Sizzling Hand Principle (@HotHandTheory) November 22, 2024
I beloved this play from CP3 and Citadel. The arrange by Paul to get him the ball ready to reach a significant second is large for the staff’s success. It appears like Paul is elevating the staff’s basketball IQ because the season goes alongside.
Right here is a few of Citadel’s downhill driving capacity on show within the clutch. Bassey additionally set an influence display screen to free it up.
Lastly right here is a few classic CP3. He will get the swap onto a giant, lulls them to sleep and hits a giant time jumper to place the Spurs up within the clutch. Paul has turned again the clock whereas the Spurs have struggled with accidents.
Yow will discover full highlights from the sport under. The Spurs will face the Golden State Warriors of their subsequent contest on Saturday.
