Gregg Popovich didn't have much to say when debriefing the Spurs' defeat at the Rockets (129-107) at the end of the preparation matches this Thursday evening. As soon as you sit down, as soon as you leave. Fifty-two seconds of press conference: packed, it's heavy! A little monologue and then leaves.
Coach Pop' in its almost complete version: “I saw a lot of good things in the first and third quarter but the rest of the time Houston was better. We made mistakes, whether in transition or in our communication. We will continue to improve but I have been impressed by a lot of players”.
Most frames left to rest
From Victor Wembanyama to Chris Paul via Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan: most of the executives were excused from this last dress rehearsal before the resumption at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, in a week. The staff preferred to increase the number of training sessions rather than playing friendly matches without much interest.
Facing Jalen Green (30 points at 7 of 13 at 3-points) and the Rockets, Sidy Cissoko however took the opportunity to show off. Struggling with his shooting last year, the native of Saint-Maurice (Val-de-Marne) delivered a successful performance offensively with 15 points on 6/8 shots, while taking 4 rebounds, all in 21 minutes game.
“He has everything it takes to become a very important player in our program”said Gregg Popovich in particular during the media day about him, at the end of September. Well supported by Malaki Branham (15 points) and Stephon Castle (16 points), he failed to disrupt the Rockets collective.
The preseason now ended with an anecdotal third defeat in five games, the Spurs will begin their marathon of 82 regular season games in a week. And more if affinities?
From our correspondent in San Antonio.
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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.
