Some could imagine Victor Wembanyama quickly establishing himself as Spurs’ top scorer. But after four meetings, Devin Vassell is the leader in this area, ahead of Keldon Johnson, hero of last night’s match in Phoenix.
More anticipated this season after signing his big contract extension this summer, the Spurs guard averages 20 points overall with his best overall skill percentage in his career (51%).
The “go-to-guy” for Gregg Popovich
Enough to delight Gregg Popovich who is expecting such an offensive contribution. “ Devin is starting to understand that I want him to be a little selfish. I want him to score, he can do it. He has a lot of confidence in his 3-point shot, in his ability to play one-on-one when needed, a sort of ‘go-to guy’ “, defines the Spurs coach.
Even if, for the moment, his long distance skill is at half mast (8/24 or 33%), Devin Vassell scores more than last season with fewer shots (14 compared to just under 16 last year), signs of better efficiency.
“ The game definitely slowed down for me », Remarks the guard who was already averaging 18.5 points last year, over around thirty matches. He had to undergo an arthroscopy to get rid of recurring knee pain.
Once his health returned, the 11th pick of the 2020 Draft spent the entire summer training. “ That’s all I did, I stayed in the gym. And that’s what I’m trying to show this season, that I stayed there. ” He adds : ” I just have to be aggressive. They want me to be aggressive and that’s what I have to do. »
The Spurs leader?
San Antonio’s offensive leader so far, the fullback, who has the most playing time on the team (35 minutes), wants to take matters into his own hands and become the ” leader of this team » in short. His teammates noticed this. “ He arrived (at training camp) fit and ready to play. He’s someone you can talk to, he’s a great guy. He’s one of the best guys I’ve ever been around », appreciates Keldon Johnson.
The oldest (31 years old) and experienced player on the team, Doug McDermott also notes that his young teammate “ is heard ” these last weeks. “ Keldon does the same. I think they’re tired of being labeled as guys from losing teams who make stats. This stuff can eat away at you a bit. You want to prove that you can win matches », notes the shooter.
This is what they did last night in Phoenix, to balance the Spurs’ record (2-2).
| Devin Vassell | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2020-21 | SAN | 62 | 17 | 40.6 | 34.7 | 84.3 | 0.4 | 2.4 | 2.8 | 0.9 | 1.4 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 5.5 |
| 2021-22 | SAN | 71 | 27 | 42.7 | 36.1 | 83.8 | 0.6 | 3.7 | 4.3 | 1.9 | 2.0 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 12.3 |
| 2022-23 | SAN | 38 | 31 | 43.9 | 38.7 | 78.0 | 0.2 | 3.7 | 3.9 | 3.6 | 1.5 | 1.1 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 18.5 |
| 2023-24 | SAN | 3 | 34 | 55.0 | 31.3 | 76.5 | 0.3 | 2.7 | 3.0 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 1.7 | 0.0 | 20.7 |
| Total | 174 | 25 | 43.0 | 36.6 | 81.3 | 0.4 | 3.2 | 3.7 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 11.4 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
