This first preseason match frankly did not attract the crowds, with low stretches of the Frost Bank Center sometimes sparse and VIP boxes often empty. Facing the Thunder deprived of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Spurs – who had rested Victor Wembanyama as well as Chris Paul, Zach Collins, Charles Bassey – laid the first milestones for a 2024/25 season at the end of which they will hope to find playoffs. This inaugural defeat, as anecdotal as it may be (112-107), at least had the merit of giving the first avenues of work to Gregg Popovich and his staff.
Stephon Castle shows up
Still behind in the score (45-58 at the break), the Spurs sprayed from afar (43 3-point attempts), with relative success (17 shots scored, or almost 40%). Facing Jalen Williams (18 points), Julian Champagnie (22 points on 7/16 shots and 7 rebounds) tried to get out of the game, when Sidy Cissoko, with good rebounding and passing activity, tried to take advantage of his twenty minutes of play.
This first outing notably allowed rookie Stephon Castle to take the pulse of an NBA meeting – even a friendly one. Chosen in 4th position by San Antonio during the last Draft, the former UConn student showed audacity and aggressiveness, despite ball control requiring improvement (6 lost balls). “I really liked the way Blake (Wesley) and Steph Castle defended tonight”adds Gregg Popovich, indicating that he hopes that this mentality “will infuse with other players”.
Before starting their season with the Mavericks on October 24, the Spurs will continue their friendly matches on Wednesday against the Magic, “very likely” with Wemby, says Pop'. For its part, Chet Holmgren's Thunder (10 points at 100% in 9 minutes) will host the Rockets the same day.
How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
