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Coming off a comeback win against the Toronto Raptors, the Spurs traveled to the Barclays Center to take on the Brooklyn Nets. From the start of the game, the Spurs started hot and did not slow down. They outscored the Nets 36-22 in the first quarter, and led by as much as 22 in the first half. The Nets would cut the deficit to single digits, but the Spurs’ defense, ball movement, and hot shooting overwhelmed this young Brooklyn team. After taking a 15-point lead into halftime, the Spurs kept their foot on the gas pedal in the third and took a 20-point lead into the fourth. The Spurs led by as much as 26, and ultimately defeated the Brooklyn Nets 126-110.
Julian Champagnie returned to his hometown of Brooklyn and scorched the Nets with 26 points (10-14 FG, 6-9 3PT), three steals, two blocks, two assists, and two rebounds. 19 of his 26 came in the first half, as he drained threes from the corners, wings, and even slashed his way to the cup. This performance is reminiscent of his career-high 36 points and 11 threes against the New York Knicks on New Year’s Eve; it just seemed like Julian could hardly miss. Guess who he plays next?
Rise up! Julian cuts to the basket and rises for a two-handed jam!
¡MUY CALIENTE! Julian catches the ball at the top of the key and lasers home his fourth trey of the game!
Don’t leave your feet! Julian fakes out Egor Demin and drives his way to the basket for the easy layup!
Stephon Castle dropped 18 points (10-12 FT), five assists, two rebounds, and two steals. Steph drew fouls and got himself to the line no matter who was in front of him. In the past, Steph usually has not gotten the benefit of the doubt when it comes to drawing contact, but the Nets could not guard him without fouling. Also, when they did not foul him, he drove right past and posterized multiple defenders!
On the board! Steph and Victor Wembanyama run the give-and-go as Steph cuts to the basket for the easy slam and the first points of the game!
POSTER #1: On the fastbreak, Steph leaks out and finishes through Nolan Traore’s contact for the and-one slam!
POSTER #2: Steph gets a full head of steam and posterizes Noah Clowney for the and-one!
De’Aaron Fox dropped 14 points (6-8 FG, 2-3 3PT), six assists, two steals, and a rebound. D-Fox played unselfishly and efficiently. He dished out six dimes and only missed two of his eight shots. For someone who is playing on a max contract, Fox has taken over the offense, usually if it is in the flow of the game. Playing with young star guards, efficient shooters, and lob threats (especially Wemby), it makes his job a bit easier.
CRAFTY! D-Fox spins off of Traore in transition and finishes off the backboard with a scoop layup!
Devin Vassell dropped 14 points (4-7 3PT), seven rebounds, five assists, and a steal. In his last three games, Dev is averaging 21 points per game, shooting 62% from the field and about 67% from three. In other words, Dev is on a hot streak. A consistent Dev for a team with many mouths to feed only raises this team’s ceiling.
DEV POSTER! Dev beats Demin on the backdoor cut and posterizes Drake Powell with one hand!
Keldon Johnson dropped 13 points (6-7 FG), four rebounds, and a steal. After having a couple of rough games and a shoulder injury, KJ bounced back in just 18 minutes. The instant spark plug took a bit to charge up, but he was fully charged on offense, missing only one of his seven shots. Look for him to continue to rehab his shoulder and get back to his 6MOTY form.
GET BIG! KJ posts up and spins off of Powell for a tough and-one finish over Day’Ron Sharpe!
SMOOTH CRIMINAL! KJ takes Ochai Agbaji to school by crossing him over and spinning off of him for the hook shot finish!
Victor Wembanyama dropped 12 points (6-6 FT), eight rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks. Offensively, Vic has looked sluggish these last two games, struggling from the field and forcing up tough shots. However, on the defensive side, he had himself a pair of blocks and got into the passing lanes for steals. Hopefully, this two-day rest will come in handy for the rematch against the Knicks.
Just throw it up there! Wemby cuts to the paint for an easy runway to catch the pass from Dev for the alley-oop jam!
Dylan Harper dropped 12 points, seven assists, three rebounds, and a steal. Dyl had himself a Fox-like game. He took shots when he needed to and dished out dimes. Despite a few turnovers, Dyl was able to make the most of his extended playing time (29 minutes). He even got to show off his athleticism by recovering the loose ball and slamming it home with one hand!
All in all, this was a fantastic bow to seal the month of February undefeated. From where this team was a year ago, this season has been beyond most fans’ wildest dreams. Also important to point out: this is the first team in NBA history to go undefeated in a month while scoring at least 110 points a game (min. 10 games). Some tough tests approach this young team in March, starting with the NBA Cup Champs at MSG.
Finally, here are the full game highlights.
The Spurs take on the New York Knicks this Sunday at 12:00 P.M. (CST) on ABC.