Grades: San Antonio Spurs vs. Utah Jazz – Game #7
The San Antonio Spurs have now won five straight games after dropping their first two contests of the regular season. Tonight, the Spurs downed the Utah Jazz for the second time. This time, the game took place in San Antonio and the good guys waltzed to a 119-97 victory without breaking much of a sweat.
Stats: Spurs vs. Jazz
Spurs vs. Jazz – Final Grades
Victor Wembanyama
The good: Wembanyama passed the ball really well and grabbed 11 rebounds in 24 minutes. His rim protection was great and he ran the court with purpose. At the rim, Wembanyama was 4-for-5 from the field. The bad: Wembanyama was 1-for-10 on jumpers, including 0-for-5 from three-point land. He also turned the ball over five times. Overall: Wembanyama was far from his best — thankfully, the Spurs as a team didn’t pay the price.
Grade: D+
Dylan Harper
One of the main reasons why the Spurs are playing better lately is the fact that Harper is finding his place in the system. He’s taking smart shots, passing better and being more patient. Against the Jazz, his all-around dominance was on display. In 27 minutes, he had 17 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and two steals. He hit 5-of-8 two-pointers, 1-of-2 three-pointers and 4-of-5 free throws. Harper also played strong defense and turned it over only twice. Kid is damn good and he’s starting to play a winning brand of basketball — watch out, world.
Grade: A-
Stephon Castle
After a scoreless affair that was clearly hindered by a migraine, Castle bounced back decently well. He was 5-for-9 from two point range, totaled four assists and didn’t turn the ball over. Castle also played really good defense and pulled down five rebounds. The downsides: he was 2-for-7 from three-point land and didn’t get to the line. (Castle’s drop in free throw rate is beginning to be worrisome.)
Grade: B
Devin Vassell
Vassell didn’t hit a three-pointer but successfully made an impact. His driving to the rim was better and he continued to play hard regardless of what was happening around him. I liked his defense, decision-making and overall energy on both ends.
Grade: B+
De’Aaron Fox
Fox was efficient once again but his evening was cut short due to persistent foul trouble. In 22 minutes, he had five fouls — and he seemed to be in a constant state of discontentment when it came to the referees. But, yeah, Fox once again shot it well on his way to 12 points, three assists and only one turnover.
Grade: B
Keldon Johnson
KJ put together a strong outing. He had 15 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Sure, a lot of his production came in garbage minutes, but Johnson keeping his foot on the gas helped allow the starters to get extra rest. He deserves bonus points for not turning the ball over, getting to the line for a team-high six attempts and remaining in attack mode.
Grade: B+
Julian Champagnie
Champagnie did his job. He was 2-for-5 from three-point range in 22 minutes, rebounded better than usual and held up decently well defensively. Champagnie is being aggressive when it comes to looking for his three-point shots — but that aggression seems to be paying dividends.
Grade: B
Harrison Barnes
While he amazingly still is without a rebound or assist on the season, Barnes clearly had his best outing of the campaign. In 21 minutes, he had 13 points. I don’t know what was more impressive, his trio of three-pointers or the pose after drawing a flagrant foul. Good stuff and it was nice to see Barnes show some life offensively.
Grade: B+
Luke Kornet
Don’t look now but it looks like Kornet might be finding his groove. He was 3-for-3 from the field and 2-for-2 at the line on his way to a season-high eight points. He was also better on the boards and moved really well offensively. Kornet looked glacial to begin the season but, thankfully, it appears as if he’s successfully defrosting.
Grade: A-
Carter Bryant
It wasn’t the most productive outing for Bryant. He picked up four fouls in 14 minutes and missed three of his four shots. He had an ugly attempt at a reverse layup and his defense was nothing to write home about. But, hey, Bryant hit a three and kept firing even when things were going astray.
Grade: C-
Jordan McLaughlin
Quarterbacking the garbage time unit, McLaughlin missed all four of his field goal attempts but handed out three assists without turning the ball over.
Grade: Inc.
Tarris Reed Jr.
Dang, the rookie can rebound. In seven minutes, he grabbed seven boards. He’s been a monster on the glass since the start of the preseason. That’s somewhat weird because Reed was a good college rebounder but his stats weren’t particularly elite in that category.
Grade: Inc.
Mitch Johnson
A win with no starter playing 28 minutes? Yeah, that has to be considered a positive outing. Coach Mitch is doing a good job of not getting nervous and sticking with his garbage time unit even when things tighten up.
Grade: B
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