After the San Antonio Spurs’ road win over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, head coach Mitch Johnson was less than pleased with his team’s performance through the first week of the season. He challenged them and pushed them to be better and play like he knows they are capable of.
Tuesday night saw the Spurs answer the call.
A 41-point second quarter effectively put the game away as the Spurs rolled to the 130-107 victory over the shorthanded Sacramento Kings at the Frost Bank Center, securing their
second consecutive win.
“Every game has gotten a little bit better,” Johnson said after the game. “We made a few more shots tonight… commitment to the process is real and I thought they came to play tonight.”
Victor Wembanyama had 29 points and 10 rebounds, his best numbers of the young season so far. Julian Champagnie added 26 points on 8-for-13 3-point shooting, while Dylan Harper added 13 points, six rebounds and six assists.
San Antonio’s offense was better, hitting their shots on a 54 percent clip, while hitting 17-of-37 shots from beyond the arc for a season-best 46 percent.
“We felt today what we were supposed to do and what we weren’t,” Wembanyama said. “And we actually showed progress through the game. So, I think, I hope, we can stick to the good stuff we did.”
All five Spurs starters were in double figures in their highest offensive output of the season. San Antonio’s bench had 40 points as San Antonio finished with seven players in double figures.
Sacramento was shorthanded, but led by Domantas Sabonis, who posted 20 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists in a losing effort. De’Andre Hunter added 24 points and Zach LaVine had 22 points for the Kings, who remain winless on the season (0-4).
“Whether the ball goes through the hoop or not, our standard stays the same,” Champagnie told reporters after the game. We came out and did exact what we’re supposed to do and played how we want to play. Hopefully we can continue to build on this.“
Games Notes
- With so many injuries around the NBA a week into the season, no one give the Spurs ojo. Light some candles for these guys!
- In all seriousness, San Antonio has a golden chance to get to the top of the standings thanks to a lighter schedule and teams dealing with huge injuries. As Shams Charania reported, the Minnesota Timberwolves will be without Anthony Edwards when the Wolves visit San Antonio on Saturday.
- I didn’t think Harrison Barnes could still get up like that. What a dunk!
- Devin Vassell had his best outing of the season with 14 points and eight assists.
