The Spurs stay undefeated in preseason play. They beat the Pacers 124-108 in Stephon Citadel’s preseason debut in what was a surprisingly intense matchup for 3 quarters, earlier than the deep benches checked in. Victor Wembanyama impressed as soon as once more, ending with 27 factors, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, three steals, and a block.
After three video games on the sidelines, Stephon Citadel began at level guard. The second-year participant wasted no time making his mark within the recreation, serving to the Silver and Black play disruptive protection and getting photographs near the rim. The Spurs seemed higher, however Benedict Mathuring stored Indiana afloat till Citadel and Wemby went to the bench. San Antonio’s offense wasn’t as sharp with out these two, however the Pacers weren’t significantly better. The Silver and Black took management of the sport by going large with Wembanyama and Kornet, however couldn’t create separation within the first quarter.
After ending the opening body taking part in two facilities, the Spurs began the second with each Dylan Harper and Citadel on the ground collectively. The experiment didn’t final lengthy and had its ups and downs, but it surely seemed viable. Usually, most issues had been working for San Antonio, however, regardless of a scorching-hot Wembanyama, they struggled to increase a lead they held for many of the half. Indiana executed effectively in opposition to a zone, made the precise reads and passes with a small lineup that includes Obi Toppin at middle, and their protection rallied after each San Antonio run. It was shut on the half, with Mathurin carrying Indiana on offense, ending with 27 factors.
The Pacers began stronger and regained the lead early within the third, because the Spurs didn’t appear as targeted as they seemed earlier. The offense generated some attractiveness, however the photographs didn’t go in, whereas on the opposite finish, Indiana continued to search out success. Nonetheless, San Antonio didn’t panic. The starters caught round, and a powerful stretch from the second unit in opposition to their counterparts obtained the Silver and Black again forward. Defensively, it was simple to deal with an opponent that lacked driving threats off the bench and struggled to search out manufacturing from the middle place. The Silver and Black led by double digits at one level and headed into the ultimate body up 9.
The Pacers’ starters by no means returned, as Rick Carlisle went deep into his bench within the fourth. The Spurs stored a few of their fundamental guys on the market for a couple of minutes earlier than doing the identical. San Antonio expanded its lead and obtained a simple win.
The Spurs will host the Pacers for his or her final preseason recreation on Friday. Indiana is a very enjoyable and aggressive crew even with out Tyrese Haliburton, so it ought to be a superb ultimate check earlier than the common season.
