Sandro Mamukelashvili was one of many really feel good tales of the San Antonio Spurs 2022-23 season. The massive man signed with the Spurs after being launched by the Bucks. He thrived in a bigger function, averaging 10.8 factors, 6.8 rebounds and a pair of.4 assists. This season nonetheless, he’s struggled to carve out a spot within the rotation, taking part in simply 55 whole minutes over the Spurs first 21 video games.
In keeping with San Antonio Categorical-Information sportswriter Tom Orsborn, Mamukelashvili requested an task to the Austin Spurs G League squad for some recreation reps. In his first recreation for Austin, Mamu dominated the Texas Legends in a 124-122 win. He had one of many craziest stat traces I’ve seen this season, placing up 34 factors, 22 rebounds, 4 assists and a pair of blocks. Mamukelashvili hit 5-13 photographs from deep, and had probably the most essential defensive performs of the sport.
As time expired, Mamu had the sport sealing block. Fellow Spur, Dominick Barlow, was proper there too.
Mamukelashvili confirmed the flash that made Spurs followers fall in love with him final season. He has a proclivity towards show-stopping performs which can be fueled by his creativity with the ball in his fingers and above-average imaginative and prescient for an enormous man.
It’s nice to see Mamu taking part in freely once more. It appeared to profit San Antonio final yr after they let him be himself. His non-traditional model of play would add some a lot wanted offensive creativity off the bench to the NBA squad. They might use one other ball handler and playmaker alongside their play finishers like Victor Wembanyama.
A swing talent for Mamu is his capturing. He turns into a harmful offensive weapon when he’s hitting three-point photographs. He’s not a participant identified to punish opponents on the low block. Hitting a excessive share of his three level photographs off the ball solely strengthens his skill to be a connective piece along with his playmaking.
Mamu wasn’t the one participant splitting time between the G League and professional roster who had an excellent recreation. Barlow has been nice for Austin this season. He had 26 factors and seven rebounds (and in addition 7 turnovers,) within the win. Blake Wesley has been getting some reps for the G League staff, and scored 27 factors.
Because the San Antonio Spurs proceed to tinker with their rotation, will probably be attention-grabbing to see if Mamukelashvili or Barlow get a couple of minutes with the professional staff. Charles Bassey was simply assigned to the G League on Sunday. With Zach Collins now coming off the bench, it could be exhausting for these different younger bigs to get minutes. Austin gives an excellent alternative for Bassey, Mamu and Barlow to hone their expertise.
Take a look at Mamukelashvili’s full highlights under: