It wasn’t the prettiest sport for the San Antonio Spurs on Monday. San Antonio got here into Atlanta trying flat, and completed the primary half down 30+ factors. They put it collectively within the second half, reducing the result in single digits within the ultimate minutes of the sport, however couldn’t end the comeback in a 109-99 loss to the Hawks.
That second half was full of spotlight moments, beginning with the spark plug efforts of Blake Wesley. With the starters not exhibiting sufficient effort within the first half, Gregg Popovich began the second with a bench lineup. The second-year guard began the half getting a layup to go, after which pressured an 8 second violation on the Hawks ball-handlers to kick off an an lively run. Wesley completed the sport with simply 3 factors and three assists, however his defensive effort within the third quarter spring-boarded the Spurs right into a comeback.
The Spurs run was fueled by good defensive effort and a killer transition sport. They pressured the 20 turnovers and scored 24 factors on these turnovers. Jeremy Sochan and Victor Wembanyama have been dynamic on the break, nevertheless it was Tre Jones who was initiating loads of the spotlight performs.
Jones completed the sport with 6 factors, 12 assists and three steals. He threw a few nice lobs and hit aheads to Wembanyama and firm in transition.
The Spurs have been additionally aided by among the finest performances Julian Champagnie has delivered all season. He was robust on the defensive finish and knocked down threes on the opposite. San Antonio depends on him to fill the three-and-D function. Champagnie went 5-8 from three for 15 factors.
Wembanyama performed a serious function within the Spurs second half run. After going scoreless within the first half on simply 4 shot makes an attempt, he was assertive within the second half, hitting photographs and defending the rim. Wembanyama completed the sport with 26 factors, 13 rebounds, 2 steals and 5 blocks.
The driving dunk over Jalen Johnson was one of many performs of the night time. How do you guard a 7-foot-4 middle with an 8-foot wingspan who can put it on the deck, go behind the again after which slam excessive of you? Wembanyama is already exhibiting he could be a particular participant, and he’s solely scratching the floor of his potential.
Wembanyama may also make NBA superstars appear like your little cousin that you just beat 12-0 within the again yard. Simply look what he does to Trae Younger on this block.
Sochan was additionally essential to the Spurs second half play. He stuffed the stat sheet with 23 factors, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and a pair of blocks, whereas flattening two of his 4 triples. Sochan was nice at attacking the Hawks protection, and made some good performs for different down the stretch. The “point-Sochan” experiment might have been irritating, however we’re seeing among the fruits of that labor in his improved playmaking capability.
It wasn’t precisely the outcome the Spurs have been in search of, however maybe a second half run will present the younger staff what they’re able to once they play with a way of urgency. San Antonio will get an opportunity to show they discovered from their errors on Wednesday in a matchup towards the Boston Celtics at TD Backyard.
You may watch full highlights from the Spurs loss to the Hawks under.
