Spurs Commit To Three-Guard Starting Lineup For Opener Against Thunder

San Antonio Spurs coach Mitch Johnson confirmed Friday that De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper will start together in Tuesday’s season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Devin Vassell and Victor Wembanyama will complete the lineup.

“We’re planning on starting that same crew [in the opener],” said Johnson.

Johnson said he wants to start his five best players instead of bringing one off the bench. The three guards played only 69 minutes together last season, including 25 in the NBA Finals, and the Spurs were outscored by 47 points in that time.

The lineup made its debut in Wednesday’s preseason win over the Phoenix Suns, who rested most of their regulars. San Antonio outscored Phoenix by 10 points in the trio’s 11 minutes together and outrebounded the Suns 13-11 despite being smaller.

The Spurs made just 2 of 9 three-pointers with the three guards on the floor. Vassell and Wembanyama missed all six of their attempts.

Fox said shooting will decide how good the group can be.

“We have a talented group, especially in the backcourt,” said Fox. “When we’re making shots, it allows other guys to be able to get downhill. We can spread the defense out and teams know what we want to do. There’s no secret about it. So, a lot of our season, a lot of how special that first group can be, it’s going to be predicated on how we shoot the ball.”