Grades: Spurs vs. Pelicans – Summer League Game #6
Jamaree Bouyea was the hero for the Spurs (Photo via Twitter)
The San Antonio Spurs moved to 3-0 in the Las Vegas summer league with a 90-85 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Jamaree Bouyea hit two critical jumpers in the final minute to allow the Spurs to escape with the win.
San Antonio next plays on Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers. If the Spurs win again, their hopes of winning a summer league championship would still be alive.
Stats: Spurs vs. Pelicans
Spurs vs. Pelicans – Final Grades
Harrison Ingram
Ingram hit a couple threes early and then a clutch three-pointer late. I was impressed that he was shooting threes even when he was contested. Previously in summer league, Ingram only looked comfortable shooting when wide open. Defensively, he was really good. His mix of physicality and smarts was a plus. Ingram didn’t do much inside of the arc or when he was forced to dribble — but he did have one nice floater. All in all, the second round pick wasn’t spectacular but he was solid.
Grade: B+
Sidy Cissoko
This was one of the most impressive defensive performances I’ve seen in summer league in quite a while. Cissoko was on Jordan Hawkins, New Orleans’ lottery pick last season, and Hawkins ended up 2-for-8 from the field in 30 minutes. Cissoko applied constant pressure — even fullcourt pressure — and made life a nightmare for Hawkins. Even in help scenarios, Cissoko was awesome on D. Offense, unfortunately, was a major struggle. His dribbling, passing and driving were all unsightly. The silver lining is Cissoko hit a three-pointer and led the team with eight free throw attempts.
Grade: A-
Jamaree Bouyea
Offensively, Bouyea saved his best for last. After beginning the contest 2-for-9, Bouyea hit two gargantuan, self-created shots down the stretch — a step-back three-pointer and a mid-range shot. The team’s starting point guard did well handling the ball and running the show. Defensively, Bouyea was also very, very good. He’s making plays on that end and competing as hard as he can.
Grade: A-
Nathan Mensah
Sadly, Mensah was forced to leave the game after four minutes due to back spasms. In previous games, it looked like his back was bothering him but he was able to play through it. Tonight, the starting center was forced to sit.
Grade: Inc.
Tyson Ward
Ward continues to look like an intriguing prospect who just isn’t hitting on all cylinders. Offensively, he has a lightning quick release but his accuracy is off. He’s willing to handle the ball but he’s prone to turnovers and he isn’t a trustworthy finisher. Ward looks good defensively. For a wing, he has a lot of functional length and his quickness is a positive trait.
Grade: B-
Riley Minix
You gotta feel great for Minix. He dislocated his shoulder a few seconds into his summer league debut but was able to return tonight and did really good work. The rookie out of Morehead State was seemingly in line to have a major role on this team — and he wasted little time in proving what he could do. Minix was a big-time scorer in college and that offensive talent translated well. He was 4-for-6 from three-point range and he made a handful of wise, unselfish passes. Minix’s size looks like it should be an advantage, as he was even able to be a post-up threat. His defense was a step slow and I’m not yet sure he has an adequate amount of athleticism — but this was a really good first extended outing for the rookie. If he can have another game like this, he may earn a two-way contract.
Grade: A-
Donovan Williams
Williams is quickly becoming another prospect on this team that’s worth keeping an eye on. He’s 6-foot-6, super athletic and gets downhill in a hurry. Against the Pelicans, Williams was given long stretches of point guard duty and he did outstanding work. He can handle the rock, pass while on the move and almost always find an angle to the rim. To add to the fun, Williams even knocked down a pair of three-pointers. Defensively, his effort and energy were helpful attributes. Overall, Williams is quickly emerging as a possible two-way contract candidate.
Grade: A-
Yauhen Massalski
The good: Massalski, for the third straight game, rebounded like prime Dennis Rodman. He did better tonight finishing at the rim. The bad: Massalski’s defense left a lot to be desired. He struggled against pick-and-rolls and didn’t look too hot going up against the athletic bigs on the Pelicans.
Grade: B
Ibrahima Diallo
With Mensah out, Diallo stepped up as the team’s second option at center behind Massalski. He’s not the most refined player but Diallo has enough size, length and strength to make his presence felt. He rebounded well and protected the rim well on a few occasions. That said, his defense was a liability at times due to him not always knowing where to go or where to help.
Grade: B
Jameer Nelson Jr.
Nelson isn’t bashful and he has been helping to space the court when he’s in the game at shooting guard. The bad part is that whenever he gets the ball and tries to make a play, his lack of ball-handling ability or passing ability makes it a dangerous proposition.
Grade: C+
DJ Horne
Horne played six minutes and got up two three-point attempts.
Grade: Inc.
D’Moi Hodge
Sadly, Hodge seemed to hurt his foot three minutes into his first stint on the court. Considering that Hodge is one of the better shooters on the team, his absence will be felt.
Grade: Inc.
Kenny Trevino
Trevino is really getting the hang of things. I was very impressed tonight. Offensively, he’s being very smart about deciding on who should handle the ball and run the offense. Mixing up the looks kept the Pelicans off guard. Leaning on Williams as the bench orchestrator paid dividends. Defensively, Trevino unleashed the hounds. He mixed in presses and traps while successfully taking advantage of the big, physical defenders on this squad. Big picture-wise, his ability to realize what isn’t working and adjust on the fly is impressive for such a young coach.
Grade: A-