The San Antonio Spurs maintained their winning ways on a night both De\u2019Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama dominated offensively and defensively (in the latter portion, at least). Fox led all players with 27 points, 8 assists, and 3 steals while Wembanyama had 26 points and 9 rebounds. Heading into the mid-season break, the Silver and Black will now look to further cement their playoff standings and continue to play at a high level.<\/p>\n
Sometimes you have to reach up with your 8-foot wingspan to grab a rebound, and other times (like the clip below indicates) you only have to let the ball drop in your lap. Victor Wembanyama then wisely brings the ball up with an immediate urgency to slam the point home.<\/p>\n
If De\u2019Aaron Fox looked in full control of the game on Wednesday night, that\u2019s because he was in full control of the game, as evidenced by Fox patiently working his way through the defense for a bucket.<\/p>\n
Statistically speaking, De\u2019Aaron Fox is averaging below his usual, exceptional scoring numbers. But to me, that speaks more to Fox adjusting to the Spurs\u2019 system on both offense and defense. Additionally, he\u2019s playing with Victor Wembanyama, knowing that the big man sets the Spurs\u2019 orbit. And by all accounts, it seems like Fox is embracing his role as the playmaker, aggressive wing defender, facilitator, and as the ice-cold or red-hot closer when needed. For these reasons, the Spurs are enjoying a renaissance season behind Wembanyama and Fox\u2014especially when Stephon Castle has legitimately played like the second-best player on the team on some nights (sure, the 40-point triple-double helps).<\/p>\n
I feel like this is as good a time as any to talk about the last game Dirk Nowitzki played in Golden State (at the old Oracle Arena). I happened to be in town that weekend for my bachelor party, and my buddies and I were treated to a vintage Nowitzki game. Leading the Dallas Mavericks to a win over the Golden State Warriors, he drained 5 threes in a 21-point, season high score in his swan season of a great career.<\/p>\n
It was a good game to attend. We didn\u2019t have seats, but we stood in a fairly isolated cemented area behind some club seats. The view was good, and it was better when the patrons in front of us left in the 3rd quarter so we were able to sit down for the rest of the game. This unsolicited trip down memory lane has nothing to do with the play below (other than it involves the Golden State Warriors), but you don\u2019t need me to explain yet again why Victor Wembanyama is so good.<\/p>\n
(In my best Admiral Ackbar voice): \u201cIt\u2019s a trap!\u201d<\/p>\n
Keldon Johnson avoided any subtlety in scoring on this fast break just like I avoided taxes\u2014DOING\u2014avoided DOING my taxes. Let\u2019s be crystal clear about that. Johnson continues to lead the second unit, bringing both energy and an immediate dose of scoring to the table.<\/p>\n
Harrison Barnes brought the mustard and the Grey Poupon on this sidestepping, samba of a move to the basket for the emphatic slam. It\u2019s easy to forget that Harrison Barnes has been in the league for a while, doing the same ol\u2019 consistently right basketball thing. Harrison Barnes is the Harrison Barnes of all Harrison Barnes. How much Harrison Barnes would a Harrison Barnes if a Harrison Barnes could Harrison Barnes ? A Harrison Barnes would Harrison all the Barnes he could if a Harrison Barnes could Harrison Barnes.<\/p>\n