Title: San Antonio Spurs stun Sacramento Kings with “next man up” mentality
The San Antonio Spurs came out as victors in a thrilling 142-134 overtime win over the Sacramento Kings, despite missing some key players due to injury. The Spurs were without Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, and Jeremy Sochan, but the “next man up” mentality proved effective as they got a combined 78 points from their bench.
Malaki Branham was the standout performer for the Spurs in the first quarter, scoring at all three levels with ease. Sacramento responded with a balanced attack led by De’Aaron Fox, but the Spurs finished the quarter up 32-30 thanks to their short-handed squad’s collective effort.
Julian Champagnie was San Antonio’s breakout star in the second quarter; free agents winger bagged an impressive ten points to help the Spurs stay ahead. The team traded baskets before going into the break, with San Antonio up by five.
Tre Jones’ persistent drives to the basket kept the Spurs ahead, but Domantas Sabonis almost single-handedly dragged Sacramento back into the game. A four-point play by Champagnie and a three-point play by Jones helped the Spurs get their biggest advantage of the night with an 11-point lead.
In a back-and-forth fourth quarter, Alex Len had his way on the inside for the Kings, while Doug McDermott produced a takeover with a flurry of baskets. Sabonis proved to be unstoppable in the paint, and his free throws erased a three-point deficit.
The Kings had a chance to steal the win but coughed up the ball in the final moments, securing the Spurs’ first overtime win of the season.
McDermott was the top scorer for the Spurs with 30 points, while Jones recorded his first triple-double with 17 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds. Champagnie contributed 26 points and six rebounds, while Dominick Barlow registered 12 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks to help the short-handed Spurs to an impressive win.
Fox scored 28 points, four rebounds, and four assists for the Kings, and Sabonis added 26 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. While the loss was disappointing for Sacramento, they remained optimistic about their playoff prospects.
The win was even more impressive for the Spurs considering the injuries their team has endured this season. They showed the resilience and strength of character that they have always been known for, proving that they are not to be taken lightly.
Game Notes:
Naismith Hall of Fame weekend tickets have been selling fast, with the Friday autograph session already sold out. Tickets for the enshrinement on Saturday are also quickly diminishing.
Malaki Branham seemed to be a natural fit for the Spurs, while Keegan Murray was an impressive pick-up for the Kings.
Sandro Mamukelashvili and Blake Wesley showed flashes of brilliance for the Spurs, and both should be key players in the Summer League.
The Pounders are hoping for a new design for the upcoming season, with no more camo.
Zach Collins’ shooting touch is something that the departed Jakob Poeltl lacked.
Domantas Sabonis is lethal on the catch from the top of the key, facing the basket.
Play of the Game:
In an evening where three of San Antonio’s top contributors had to sit out, it required a team-wide effort to overcome Sacramento. This play at the start of the second half perfectly encapsulated that approach:
(A Twitter video of the play is embedded here)
Next Game: San Antonio Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns, Tuesday at 9:00 PM CDT.
In conclusion, the San Antonio Spurs overcame adversity and proved that the “next man up” mentality indeed works. With the playoffs out of reach, the Spurs have shown that they are not playing for a high draft pick but for pride and the love of the game.
