Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs came up short in Minnesota (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs let one slip away in Minnesota. Leading by as many as 19 points, the Spurs got outscored by the Timberwolves 33-18 in the fourth quarter and lost by a final score of 104-103. The loss dropped the good guys to a record of 27-12.
De’Aaron Fox hit a jumper to give the Spurs a lead with 33 seconds remaining. Unfortunately, Anthony Edwards answered with a jumper of his own to give the Timberwolves a one-point advantage. Victor Wembanyama and Fox missed shots in the closing seconds to put a ribbon on what has to be considered a disappointing defeat.
Stats: Spurs at Timberwolves
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Spurs at Timberwolves – Final Grades
Victor Wembanyama
It might not show in the numbers but Wembanyama was a dominant force on the defensive end against the Timberwolves. Particularly in the first half, the Frenchman was making it nearly impossible for Minnesota to score. Offensively, he hit all ten free throws and was 5-for-9 from two-point range. He didn’t shoot great from three-point land (3-for-9) but his form looked pristine. Still on a minutes restriction, the Spurs played well when Wembanyama was on the floor. It’s fair to say San Antonio wins if he’s able to play 32 minutes. But, truthfully, that’s not much of an excuse — especially because he was 0-for-4 from the field in the fourth quarter. Wembanyama has been able to carry the Spurs to wins this season but that didn’t happen on Sunday night.
Grade: B
De’Aaron Fox
I know that Fox has a reputation for being a great fourth quarter player but he too often recently hasn’t been showing up until the final stanza. In Minnesota, he hit three big fourth quarter baskets but that doesn’t overshadow the fact that he was so cold up until the fourth. Fox can’t coast until money time — he needs to pull his own weight for the entire 48 minutes.
Grade: C-
Stephon Castle
The good: Castle went to the line ten times. He rebounded well, played hard-nosed defense and made a lot of high-quality passes. The bad: Castle was 2-for-11 from the field and turned the ball over seven times. To say he’s struggling on the offensive end right now would have an understatement.
Grade: D+
Julian Champagnie
Champagnie is playing like a legit NBA starter recently. Against the Timberwolves, he poured in 14 points and ten more rebounds. He shot well from the field, played commendable defense and limited his mistakes. Champagnie’s confidence in shooting the ball is at an all-time high. Add in his elite rebounding lately and he’s more than playing his part these days.
Grade: A-
Harrison Barnes
There were signs of Barnes breaking out of his slump. There was even a rare glimpse of emotion from the veteran. Ultimately, though, Barnes didn’t quite do enough to be a hero. He shot well enough, hit a huge shot late and had four assists — but he had a couple momentum-deflating misses, he rebounded poorly and he wasn’t especially helpful on the defensive end.
Grade: B-
Keldon Johnson
Johnson did well once again. He hit 3-of-4 three-pointers, 2-of-4 two-pointers and both of his freebies at the line. His rebounding was more anemic than usual but his overall focus on defense was fine. All in all, Johnson continues to give the bench unit a productive focal point.
Grade: B+
Luke Kornet
I mean, Kornet wasn’t bad — he’s just not Wembanyama. He pulled down an impressive 12 rebounds in 23 minutes and he was active on defense. Offensively, he did decently well … although he did get in the way more than usual. Kornet’s lack of speed was also an issue at times.
Grade: B-
Lindy Waters III
Waters hit an important three-pointer, handed out three assists and played solid defense. Unfortunately, his lack of size got him in trouble a couple times on the defensive end.
Grade: B
Dylan Harper
The rookie wall has a strong hold on Harper right now. His decision-making is poor; he’s forcing the issue much too much. His playmaking is missing in action. His defense is also a step slow. The Spurs desperately need Harper to reemerge ASAP.
Grade: D-
Mitch Johnson
Johnson pushed some buttons but he had trouble finding a winning combination in the fourth quarter. In retrospect, going away from Castle even more would have likely helped. Then again, it’s difficult for the coaching staff when Fox, Castle and Harper are struggling so hard for long stretches of the game.
Grade: C