Grades: San Antonio Spurs vs. Sacramento Kings – Game #4
The San Antonio Spurs were able to improve to 2-2 after dispatching the Sacramento Kings by a final score of 130-103. The Spurs scored 80 points in the first half and looked like a machine in doing so. The defense was also solid throughout. The Kings were playing a disinterested brand of basketball, though, so it’s premature to say San Antonio’s early season struggles are in the rear view mirror.
Stats: Spurs vs. Kings
Spurs vs. Kings – Final Grades
Victor Wembanyama
Wembanyama tied a career-high with nine dunks and looked especially awesome in the first half. In the opening two quarters, he was highly aggressive on his way to 23 points and nine rebounds in 16 minutes. He slowed down after intermission but it was great to see him dominate once again.
Grade: B+
Dylan Harper
It was an efficient night at the office for Harper. In 30 minutes, he was 6-for-7 from the field on his way to 13 points, six rebounds, six assists, two steals and only one turnover. I liked his unselfishness but he missed a few open passing lanes he needs to recognize in real time. Harper had an injury scare involving his ankle but thankfully he was able to reenter the game.
Grade: B+
Stephon Castle
It was good to see Castle get to the line, since that has been a weakness thus far in this young season. His 3-for-8 shooting from deep was a plus, however he was an underwhelming 1-for-3 from inside of the arc. Castle tallied five rebounds and five assists but was looser than usual with the ball. His defense was also not as sharp, although he did have moments of extreme hustle.
Grade: B-
De’Aaron Fox
Fox was mostly subdued in his 26 minutes. He finished with 11 points, six assists and four rebounds. He hit both of his three-point attempts and I thought his playmaking was a plus. He was nothing special defensively and he rarely had the pedal to the metal — but, honestly, not much was needed against the lowly Kings.
Grade: B-
Devin Vassell
Don’t look now but Vassell is turning into a legitimately good passer. Neither playmaking nor passing has ever been a strength for Vassell but he is improving at a fast rate. He’s making lob passes or the right kick outs when he gets the ball — and that’s making him more dangerous. Vassell hit his first three three-pointers against Sacramento but really made his mark with a team-high eight assists.
Grade: A-
Julian Champagnie
Champagnie isn’t showing any ill effects from coming off the bench. Versus the Kings, he hit eight of his first nine three-point attempts — all in the first half. Those eight first half threes tied Champagnie’s own franchise record for threes in a half. He cooled down after that hot start and only scored two second half points. But, yeah, if Champagnie can continue to spread the floor, he’s going to play a lot of minutes … whether he starts or comes off the bench.
Grade: A
Keldon Johnson
The vast majority of KJ’s 14 points came in fourth quarter garbage time. However, thanks to him playing hard and remaining aggressive, the starters were able to rest. Considering this was the first night of a back-to-back, that was a quietly important storyline of this game. If Johnson had gone through the motions, the starters were probably going to have to come back in and play a few more minutes.
Grade: B+
Carter Bryant
Bryant just hasn’t looked comfortable so far this season. He missed both of his three-pointers, passed up a couple driving opportunities, forced a couple other driving opportunities and his defense was substandard. Coach Mitch yelled at Bryant a few times for unwise or unaggressive defensive choices. Let’s hope Bryant can break out soon and get on track.
Grade: D+
Luke Kornet
Yikes, Kornet is looking like a shell of his former self. He can’t do much offensively, he’s not providing much rim protection and even his rebounding numbers are down. Kornet is doing anything but hold down the fort while Wembanyama rests. If the seven-footer doesn’t turn it around, he could lose his backup center gig.
Grade: D+
Harrison Barnes
Barnes had a thunderous dunk that came out of nowhere. Like Kornet, Barnes has seemingly lost a couple steps but you wouldn’t think that after witnessing his powerful slam. But, yeah, he has played 32 minutes so far this season and has yet to pull down a rebound or hand out an assist.
Grade: B-
Jordan McLaughlin
McLaughlin played his brand of steady basketball to help keep the Spurs rolling in the fourth.
Grade: Inc.
Tarris Reed Jr.
Reed continues to be a rebounding machine. In less than five minutes, the rookie had four points and five rebounds. Good stuff.
Grade: Inc.
Mitch Johnson
Johnson has been tough on his troops this season and it looks like it’s starting to pay off. The Spurs played well in the first half and the cohesion on both ends was better. Truth be told, however, there’s only so much you can take from a game against this discombobulated Kings squad.
Grade: B
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