Following a close loss to Phoenix Sunday night, the Spurs played a complete game on Wednesday to remain in the running for the top seed (and the knockout rounds) in West Group C of the NBA Cup.
The intensity of the game was turned up to 100 right from the opening tip. Both teams executed plays to find open shooters, with Portland getting out to a fast 9-2 start. Following an early timeout from Mitch Johnson, the Spurs answered, as Devin Vassell hit back-to-back triples in the first four minutes of the match.
The shooting then dried up on either side, turning the game into a mid-range battle. Deni Avdija stood out most, as he used his craft to create open looks while also bullying to the rim for tough finishes.
On a minutes restriction following three weeks off from a calf strain, Dylan Harper didn’t look any worse for wear physically. He used his footwork and strength to slither into the paint, but missed some easy bunnies he usually makes. Even so, the rookie still impacted the game by fighting for rebounds and dictating the pace, and it won’t take long before he’s fully up to speed. De’Aaron Fox, who started 0-5, also got going in the second quarter after a mid-ranger finally dropped. The game stayed competitive throughout the first half with no team leading by double digits, and the Spurs went into the break up 56-54.
Fox and Avdija stayed hot after halftime, trading buckets throughout the third. However, San Antonio’s role players stepped up too, allowing them to build a 12-point lead. Keldon Johnson provided his usual spark off the bench by crashing the boards and pumping up his team at every opportunity, while Julian Champagnie and Harrison Barnes made open shots and continued to be two of the Spurs’ most consistent players.
Meanwhile, Portland’s supporting cast continued to struggle, especially from deep. Toumani Camara and Jerami Grant combined to go just 2-16 from three, allowing the good guys to sag off of them and send more help to Avdija. As a result, the Blazers’ star ran out of gas too, missing five consecutive free throws after starting 7-7 and he managed to score just a single basket in the fourth. Since this was an NBA Cup game, though, the Spurs stayed aggressive, running up the score and emerging with a 115-102 victory to stay alive in West Group C.
Game notes
- De’Aaron Fox showed why he’s a bonafide star on Wednesday night. After starting 0-5 and not making a shot in the first, he went 11-20 the rest of the game and finished with 37 points — his personal high in a Spurs uniform. Swipa also chipped in with 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and a block, while going 3-8 from deep too. Don’t look now, but Fox has quietly shot 38% from three so far, which would be a career high. He’s only taken 58 on the season, but that’s a number worth monitoring throughout the year.
- As previously mentioned, Harper looked good physically. He was able to slash and get to the rim proficiently as usual, but the finishing was just a bit off. Given that he’s missed 10 games, I’d say he looked as well as we could’ve hoped for, and he should be all the way back in just a few games. Harper finished with 7 points on 2-8 shooting with 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. He was still aggressive looking for his shot and seemed to get his wind back as the game went on.
- The Spurs face off against the Nuggets Friday night to determine who finishes first in West Group C. More importantly, the winner of that game will also advance to the knockout stages, since both teams are currently 2-1 and there are already three other West teams with three wins (OKC, LAL, and PHX). In other words, Friday’s game is essentially an elimination game already, since the loser will automatically be eliminated from advancing to the knockout rounds.
Play of the game
Devin was instrumental in securing the victory, finishing with 23 points and a number of huge threes.
Next game: @ Nuggets on Friday
Undoubtedly the biggest game of the season so far: the Spurs need to win to advance in the NBA Cup.
