After three straight games in the NBA Cup playoffs, the Spurs returned home to the ultimate trap game. They returned home for the first time since December 2 (just to have to go right back out on the road), it was a regular season with nothing immediate on the line, and they were facing the worst team in the league. After sleepwalking a bit through the first half, the Spurs woke up and flipped the switch in the second half, turning a four-point leading into a blowout 119- 94 win, allowing the starters
to rest since they play again tomorrow in Atlanta.
Dylan Harper led the way with a career high 24 points, and five other Spurs joined him in double figures. Five Wizards scored in double figures, led by 18 from Alex Sarr and 17 from Bub Carrington.
Observations
- I’m already not a fan of the Wizards’ gold uniforms, and while I have no problem with the Spurs’ gray ones, I was not a fan of the two combined on one court. I guess it was because they are both a light contrast, so there’ wasn’t enough difference, plus it looked bland on TV. Let’s just say this is NOT a case where everyone wishes for silver and gold. (Hey, tis the season for random references!)
- An interesting side effect from the Cup, at least for me, was making the adjustment from “playoff-ish” feeling game to regular season game. The opponent and the Spurs playing like they had a bit of a Vegas hangover didn’t help in the first half, but it just felt blah, especially in the first half. (Or maybe it’s because right before this game, I watched Texas A&M volleyball make their first ever national championship game. That also could have made this feel less exciting.)
- Jeremy Sochan finally made a return to the lineup for the first time in 4 games, entering midway through the first quarter, interestingly for Luke Kornet and ahead of Victor Wembanyama, who continues to come off the bench. He also got some minutes with Wemby to open the fourth quarter, which is the scenario he seems most suited for. He didn’t know much that would make the scoreboard, with 2 rebounds, an assist and a block, but he was his usual self on defense, and the effort is still there.
- Wemby didn’t have much impact in his first half stint, but he was a big part of the Spurs finally gaining some separation in the third quarter as he found his offensive rhythm and made plays on defense. He scored 9 of his 15 points. He only played a total of 17 minutes and is expected to play tomorrow in Atlanta, although probably off the bench again.
- The bench as a whole had an excellent night, scoring a whopping 66 points, and no, that’s not just because of garbage time. Along with Wemby’s output, Harper continued his hot shooting, including 3-5 from three and a high flying dunk to end his night that seemed to even surprise himself. Julian Champagnie also rediscovered his shooting stroke after a rough time in Vegas, hitting 4-9 from three.
- Harrison Barnes did not rediscover his stroke, going 0-6, making him 0-18 across the last three games. It will return, and he’s a veteran who knows that, but it still has to feel bizzare for Mr. 100%.
