Dylan Harper showed why the Spurs picked him (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs (3-0) remained undefeated in preseason with a 134-130 victory over the Utah Jazz. The Spurs got clutch play from their youngsters late in the fourth quarter and then were able to pull out the win in overtime.
Stats: Spurs vs. Jazz
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Spurs vs. Jazz – Final Grades
Victor Wembanyama
Wembanyama had 11 turnovers in his first 38 minutes of preseason play. Against the Jazz, he shook off the rust and put together a magical first half. In 16 minutes, he finished with 22 points, seven rebounds and three assists. In a physically dominant performance, Wembanyama was 9-for-10 at the line and got to his spots with ease. His passing continues to be an area where he looks a lot better than last season. All in all, this was a great performance that gives a glimpse of the Frenchman’s vast potential.
Grade: A
Devin Vassell
This is the type of efficient evening at the office that the Spurs hope they can get from Vassell this season. His shot-selection was much improved, which resulted in 18 points on only eight field goal attempts. When he’s playing within the offense, Vassell can be a valuable cog in the wheel.
Grade: A-
Keldon Johnson
Speaking of efficiency, Johnson continued his spectacularly efficient preseason play with 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting from the field against Utah. He’s taking smart shots, he’s limiting his mistakes and he’s utilizing his strength as well as he ever has. Let’s hope this extends into the regular season.
Grade: A-
Harrison Barnes
I wouldn’t sound the alarm on Barnes quite yet but going scoreless in 17 minutes isn’t exactly going to help his standing with the coaching staff. There is enough talent on this team that Barnes could be moved to the fringes of the rotation if he goes through a prolonged slump.
Grade: D
Julian Champagnie
Champagnie once again shot well enough to make a loud case for his inclusion in the opening night rotation. He looks to be in good shape, his balance and precision on his jumper is sublime, and he clearly knows his role on this team.
Grade: B+
Carter Bryant
On paper, it appears as if Bryant struggled. He was 2-for-8 from the field, turned it over four times and committed three personal fouls. However, the rookie was actually instrumental in the victory. Both of his made field goals were well-timed, gutsy three-pointers. There are definitely rough edges to his game but the potential is obvious. Defensively, his frame and athleticism would allow him to wreak havoc on day one as a rookie.
Grade: B+
Stanley Umude
For Umude, who went to high school in San Antonio, the Jazz game had to be a dream come true. The 26-year-old was legitimately really darn good. His three-point shot was smooth, his movement with and without the ball was smart, and he seemed to be a step ahead of the action a few times. Umude is showing enough that he’d clearly be a leading player in Austin if he ends up going that route.
Grade: A-
Lindy Waters III
Waters isn’t going to blow anyone away but he shoots it straight and he plays with toughness. For someone to provide depth on the bench, the Spurs could do a lot worse.
Grade: B
Harrison Ingram
I’m not the world’s biggest Ingram fan but he played well against the Jazz. Near the rim, he utilized a mixture of strength, gumption and patience to score. It was also nice to see him hit a three-pointer, even though he was 0-for-3 at the charity stripe. Ingram is a heady player who doesn’t back down. I’m not sure what the ultimate vision is with him but he’s giving it his all.
Grade: B+
Dylan Harper
The most exciting storyline of the night was the preseason debut of the No. 2 overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft. Harper lived up to the hype in his 18 minutes of action. His speed to the rim was blazing, his jumper looked good and, most notably, his passing and playmaking looked very advanced. Harper is clearly a smart player who is oozing talent. If he can shoot it straight and stay healthy, the sky is the limit for this kid.
Grade: A-
Luke Kornet
Kornet is looking like a great signing three games into preseason. He plays big on both ends, he thinks the game at a high level and it looks like he could play next to Wembanyama. I’m not convinced about the Wembanyama pairing quite yet but Kornet is showing he’s a very good basketball player who will produce while fitting in seamlessly.
Grade: B+
David Jones Garcia
The hero of this preseason win was Jones Garcia. When the Spurs needed a bucket, it was usually him who stepped up. Jones Garcia is a crafty one-on-one player who can create space and hit shots from a variety of angles. He also has a knack for getting to the line and rebounding. While not a natural passer, Jones Garcia passed it well enough against the Jazz to keep the defense honest. His 20 points in 17 minutes probably guaranteed him a spot on this roster on a two-way deal.
Grade: A
Bismack Biyombo
Biyombo didn’t dent the scoresheet much during his 17 minutes of playing time but he played hard and illustrated a surprising amount of mobility out on the perimeter.
Grade: B
Riley Minix
Minix went scoreless in eight minutes of action. Although he hasn’t been horrible in the preseason, Minix isn’t looking better than a two-way player at this point.
Grade: C
Micah Potter
Potter has to hit threes to have a chance of sticking in the league. Right now, his jumper is off.
Grade: C
Adam Flagler
Flagler left the game with an injury. Let’s hope it’s not serious.
Grade: Inc.
Mitch Johnson
I liked how and where Wembanyama was utilized. Johnson did well to get Harper involved early. I appreciated that the coaches allowed Jones Garcia and Bryant to be the go-to players at the end.
Grade: A-