Coming off a win versus the Brooklyn Nets this past Tuesday, the Spurs traveled to Sacramento to take on the Kings. It would be De’Aaron Fox’s first game back in Sacramento since the trade. After a great first quarter, leading 26-20, the Spurs went ice cold and were outscored 36-16 in the second. Despite a great offensive showing in the third, the Spurs’ lack of rebounding ended up being their downfall. Several possessions consisted of defending well for most of the shot clock, but then allowing an offensive rebound to the Kings that resulted in an easy two. The Spurs could not stop Zach LaVine and the red-hot shooting from Sacramento, losing 127-109.
Stephon Castle led the way with 25 points, three assists, and two boards. Steph has now scored 20+ points off the bench in four out of his last five games. His efficiency has also continued to climb as this team is still unwilling to put him in the starting lineup.
Defense to offense! After the steal by Vassell, Julian Champagnie throws a lob to Steph on the fastbreak for the alley-oop finish!
CASTL3! Steph has been shooting the three ball more efficiently in recent games, as he nails this wing triple!
TOUGH. Steph fights his way into the lane and finishes through contact for the and-one!
EXCUSE ME! After the missed Keldon Johnson three, Steph catapults for the putback posterizer special over Jake LaRavia!
When in doubt, just throw it up to #5! KJ rejects LaRavia and finds Steph on the fastbreak for another alley-oop finish!
De’Aaron Fox returned to Sac-town and dropped 16 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and a steal. He struggled from the field, shooting 6 of 17 (including six missed threes). He received a standing ovation with a video tribute from the Sacramento faithful, but not without a mix of boos cheers every time he touched the ball. Now that he can check this game off the calendar, De’Aaron’s impending finger surgery may be coming sooner rather than later.
Fadeaway! De’Aaron fades on LaVine for the silky smooth two points!
Harrison Barnes dropped 12 points on four threes with two rebounds and a steal. One of his four threes came early in the game on a fastbreak from the corner!
Devin Vassell dropped 10 points, three assists, three steals, two rebounds, and two blocks. While he stuffed the stat sheet on defense, he cooled off from his career-high 37 on Tuesday by shooting 4 of 12. Watch him takeoff for the slam off the Bismack Biyombo offensive rebound!
Chris Paul dropped nine points, six assists, and four rebounds. CP3 drained three threes, including this laser from the wing!
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Sandro Mamukelashvili dropped seven points, two rebounds, and a dime. Mamu splashed two threes, including this one early in the fourth!
A disappointing outcome for what was expected to be a fiery revenge game for D-Fox. Even though he struggled, this team’s glaring problem reared its ugly head once again. Rebounding and boxing out have been struggles throughout the season, and you can’t help but wonder why the team didn’t acquire a backup center at the deadline. Nonetheless, no one could have predicted Victor Wembanyama having DVT and effectively ending this team’s playoff-contending hopes (Get well soon Wemby!). On to the next.
Finally, here are the full game highlights.
The Spurs take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday at 7:00 P.M. (CST) on FDSN-SW.