Harrison Barnes got it going in San Antonio’s latest win (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs moved to 4-0 after defeating the Toronto Raptors by a final count of 121-103. The Spurs led 41-29 at the end of the first quarter and, despite a few lulls here and there, they were able to waltz to the win. A late 11-1 run by the good guys put the game to bed and led to a couple minutes of garbage time.
Stats: Spurs vs. Raptors
spurs raptors grades
Spurs vs. Raptors – Final Grades
Victor Wembanyama
While Wembanyama’s raw statistics were relatively pedestrian at first glance by Wemby standards, he was actually incredibly dominant against the Raptors. This might have actually been his best defensive game of the season. He was such a towering presence in the paint that Toronto didn’t even have the courage to challenge him. Don’t let his one block fool you — the Frenchman was an absolute beast at defending the paint. Wembanyama also rotated well and challenged shots on the perimeter. Offensively, he scored 24 points on only eight shots by going 7-for-8 from the field and 10-for-10 at the line. As those numbers suggest, he aggressively found the best possible shot attempts. Wembanyama didn’t even attempt a three-pointer even though he was getting swarmed by Raptors whenever he had the ball. His steadfastness in emphasizing efficiency was applause-worthy. All in all, Wembanyama was fantastic and thoroughly dominated his minutes.
Grade: A
Devin Vassell
This was a solid outing for Vassell. I liked his shot-selection, which is typically his biggest challenge. He missed a few passes (particularly to Wembanyama) but it wasn’t due to him being selfish — he just didn’t see it. Defensively, he was engaged and putting in really good effort on the perimeter. Vassell had a handful of mistakes on both ends of the court but this type of play is a step in the right direction as he discovers his role on the squad.
Grade: B
Stephon Castle
The good: Castle continues to exhibit special talent when it comes to getting to the free throw line. He drives with power, accentuates contact well and never gets bumped off his line. Castle’s passing is a plus and I liked his relentlessness on the defensive end. The bad: Castle has now turned the ball over 20 times in the last three games. Both handling the ball and running plays are challenges for him. He’s clearly pressing and, as a result, his work as the team’s starting point guard has been spotty at best. Net-net: Castle is showing he’ll likely be best suited long-term as a secondary playmaker. That’s not necessarily a bad thing because secondary playmakers are very valuable. Plus, the Spurs already have Fox and Harper who can both play the point guard position with ease.
Grade: C
Harrison Barnes
Even though the Spurs have been undefeated dating back to the start of preseason, those wins didn’t have much to do with Barnes’ play. He’s been cold from the field and hasn’t been an especially notable defensive participant. Thankfully, against the Raptors, Barnes showed signs of life. He was 6-for-7 from the field, including 4-for-5 from three-point range. He made a lot of smart decisions with the ball and his marksmanship was vital to San Antonio being able to pull the game out in the fourth quarter. Defensively, Barnes was a mixed bag. I thought he actually did quite good out on the perimeter but he was lacking closer to the basket. Overall, this was a very good sign that Barnes can indeed have a positive impact on this year’s team.
Grade: B+
Julian Champagnie
Champagnie produced nine points in 23 minutes while adequately spacing the court. Defensively, I was pretty impressed. He was moving better than usual and did great work on the boards. He’s part of the reason why the Raptors managed just one offensive rebound. Champagnie also deserves credit for running the court hard both ways.
Grade: B+
Dylan Harper
In the first half, Harper was very good. He was 4-for-5 from the field and was passing the ball at a high level. It’s blindingly obvious at this point that this kid is a true point guard. He also has a special ability to get to the rim and finish. In the second half against the Raptors, Harper seemed to hit a wall. That’s understandable because this was his first back-to-back of his NBA career. But, yeah, Harper continues to show flashes of brilliance and his level of maturity is off the charts for a teenager.
Grade: B+
Keldon Johnson
Johnson is playing a solid brand of basketball so far this season. Historically, he’s a player who has floated defensively and he’s been prone to miscues on that end. This season, he’s much more locked in and he clearly understands the gameplan. Johnson is rebounding the ball very well, which is adding to his value. Offensively, he’s being used as a downhill driver, a spot-up three-point shooter and a bully in the paint. He hasn’t deviated much from that strategy and is providing the Spurs with very good minutes right now.
Grade: B+
Bismack Biyombo
My god, Biyombo has been so bad. To be fair, part of the problem is that Wembanyama looks so good that anyone would look feeble in comparison. But, I don’t know, Biyombo has been terrible by any metric. Defensively, he’s not hindering drivers to the paint, he’s not rebounding and his work on the perimeter is leadfooted. Offensively, he’s just always in the way. It’s safe to say that once Luke Kornet and/or Jeremy Sochan return, Biyombo will rightfully be buried deep on the bench.
Grade: D-
Carter Bryant
There were positive signs from Bryant. He’s still timid and robotic but he’s starting to get the hang of this professional basketball gig. He hit a three-pointer to score his first basket in the NBA. His stroke looks great, to be honest. Bryant plays with a lot of nervous energy and it’s holding him back on both sides of the ball. But it’s clear he has the build and the tools to eventually make it.
Grade: B-
Jordan McLaughlin
McLaughlin will never be a world-beater but he looked pretty good against Toronto. Defensively, he was more aggressive and that made him less of a liability. Offensively, he ran the plays well, hit a three-pointer and was consistently in the right spots at the right times. As point guard depth, San Antonio could do a lot worse.
Garde: B
Mitch Johnson
Finding a way not to play Biyombo would have been appreciated. In a related note, it felt like he could have carved out more minutes for Bryant. But, all in all, Johnson coached the team well. He kept his troops rested and didn’t overreact to any of Toronto’s runs. He put Wembanyama into advantageous positions. I like that Johnson is showing fire when his players are loose with the ball or make mistakes defensively. So far, I’ve been very impressed with him in his first season in the big boy chair.
Grade: A-