Game Thread: Summer League Game 5 - Spurs vs Grizzlies -July 16th, 2022 @ 5PM CT

[ace3g]

5:00 PM CT
ESPN


https://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nba/500/scoreboard/mem.png&h=70&w=70
Grizzlies(2-2)




https://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nba/500/scoreboard/sa.png&h=70&w=70
Spurs(0-4)





Thomas & Mack CenterLas Vegas, NV

[John B]

Thanks for posting. I didn’t know there’s still another game. While it’s really a glamorized scrimmage, I still want them to finish strong with a W. GSG!

[heyheymymy]

:flag:

[3&D_TBH]

I wonder who will play. I have respect for Blake going all out in every one of these games. As I say that, the Spurs will probably sit him tonight. lol

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1548360815501201411

[offset formation]

I'm truly intrigued what kind of dynamic Sochan is gonna bring to the team. He's clearly defensively minded and that should go a long way towards making the team better in the long run. But I think he has the handle and passing ability to make an impact on the offensive end as an occasional point forward too.

[Leetonidas]

Be nice if we could actually win a damn game :lol

[JPB]

Be nice if we could actually win a damn game :lol

Don't we want the spurs to suck?

[JeffDuncan]

Don't we want the spurs to suck?


Only when it counts! Lol

[Leetonidas]

Don't we want the spurs to suck?

During the season yes. I'm just sayin gimme one damn summer league W :lol

[Russ]

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1548360815501201411

Keldon tagged along in a Ferrari.

[ace3g]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1533826424758468614/Hbkwxz0M_normal.png
San Antonio Spurs spurs
(https://twitter.com/spurs)14m (https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1548424138577965060)
Final #SummerSpurs (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SummerSpurs) starters vs. @memgrizz (https://twitter.com/memgrizz/) https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/2935.pnghttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/31-20e3.pnghttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/36-20e3.png @djstewart187 (https://twitter.com/djstewart187/)https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/31-20e3.pnghttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/34-20e3.png @blakewesley0 (https://twitter.com/blakewesley0/)https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/32-20e3.pnghttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/32-20e3.png @MalakiBranham (https://twitter.com/MalakiBranham/)https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/32-20e3.pnghttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/38-20e3.png @Raw2512 (https://twitter.com/Raw2512/)https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/32-20e3.pnghttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/36-20e3.png @Dominickbarlow_ (https://twitter.com/Dominickbarlow_/)

[heyheymymy]

Williams and Roddy busting out for MEM in SL

[heyheymymy]

lol Lofton Jr is a absolute UNIT

[heyheymymy]

both teams starting off like too much hookers an blow last night

[Degoat]

Sheeesh our guys are over SL lol

[Dejounte]

A lot of shots going in and out

Wes blew by the entire Memphis team on that one play

[Uriel]

Can't find a stream.

[Trill Clinton]

Can't find a stream.

Try crackstreams

[heyheymymy]

Uriel - Streameast live working for me PM if you need a direct link

[heyheymymy]

7-0 Spurs run

[Dejounte]

Deep bench guys being played now

this is Woodard’s last game in the NBA

[ace3g]

Woodard with a nice putback dunk.

[Degoat]

Game like this the spurs really need Branhams individual scoring ability, hope he shows it

[Uriel]

Chandler. We drafted that guy.

[Uriel]

Uriel - Streameast live working for me PM if you need a direct link
Found one, thanks!

[GB20]

If spurs want to get the number one pick next year, Coach Johnson might be the right guy to get it. His coaching is horrible.

[TimmehC]

Does anyone on this squad have hands that aren't made of stone?

[offset formation]

lol Lofton Jr is a absolute UNIT

There's a subreddit for those

[Cardinal]

Stefanovic is having a good game. It would've been nice to see him earlier in summer league.

[Degoat]

That Stefanovic has looked pretty good tbh every time he’s been in the game good things have happened

[hoopdreams11]

Stewart playing well

[Ditty]

I wonder if they would of kept the Chandler pick if they knew that Murray was to be traded.

[Mr. Body]

Stefanovic instantly the best facilitator on the team. Including main club.

[LongtimeSpursFan]

Stefanovich has that IT factor like Manu. Why haven’t we seen more of him prior to today?

[ace3g]

Again Blake's vertical doesn't match his burst of speed...

[Uriel]

Blake Wesley nearly became a YouTube legend there.

[KingKev]

Entertaining game so far.

[Degoat]

Our SL squad is just like the main club. Give up open 3s over and over lol

[heyheymymy]

Really like those mins from Stef, very intriguing candidate

[heyheymymy]

Not too worried about Bran or Blake. Both show the concepts are there pretty early on. Just a matter of finishing which practice will def improve upon.

[heyheymymy]

Sucks to see Days getting poached but if I had to chose I'd pick Barlow. Not sure I agree with Weis over Days if that's ultimately the other 2 way.

Didn't know Days was born in Flordia maybe that factors in a bit too.

[Mr. Body]

Wesley's shot selection continues to be highly questionable.

Branham can't get himself open nor good shots for himself.

Team defense is largely atrocious, as are simple passes much of the time.

[GAustex]

Was not 22 supposed to be a shooter

[Mr. Body]

I like Barlow's speed and length.

[Mr. Body]

This team is the laziest getting back on transition defense. That's on the coach.

[RC_Drunkford]

Again Blake's vertical doesn't match his burst of speed...

not quite true if you look at the combine he was one of the players with a better vertical than most

[Mr. Body]

One of Wesley's problems is he takes off way too early when he gets into the lane. If he took another dribble he might have more verticality to use.

[ace3g]

Spurs are approaching their 5th double digit lead in as many games during SL.

[Robz4000]

Spurs are approaching their 5th double digit lead in as many games during SL.

They'll be approaching their 5th loss in as many games here soon too.

[Cardinal]

Wesley can get by anyone at will. The decision-making and control needs to follow but the basic tools are there

[Russ]

Nine point lead going into the fourth quarter.

Here we go . . .

[Mnky]

Blake's footwork is really bad, especially when attacking. Good thing is, you can definitely work on that. Experience will help him a lot. His reach is great. Snagged a couple loose balls I didn't think he had a chance on.

Barlow getting worked downlow quite a bit. Goes for the pump fake everytime. He hussles and plays hard. Responds to people going at him. Really like that kid.

Stewart once again showing flashes of being a multi-tool type of player. I know he got graded pretty harshly last game by timvp. We aren't watching the same player. Kid has tools to work with on offense and defense.

Branham shot still looks a little funky, with a short release but it looks silky smooth. He really needs to work on going alpha when he's the only playmaker on the court. Much rather see him miss shots than some of these other guys.

No idea why Woodard is still isoing at the top of the key.

[Ditty]

Interesting Loftin went undrafted. He can play unless teams think he is going to eat his way out of the league.

[SPURt]

These player interviews are enthralling

[Mnky]

Woodard is the strongest guy out there and does nothing down low. Never boxes out and stands in the way of teammates on the perimeter.. I swear they play horrible everytime he's in. There goes the lead

[heyheymymy]

Lofton Jr does not seem to have any conditioning issues for his style of play and size. Pretty impressive stuff

[SPURt]

This has taken an unfortunate turn. Lofton really has forced himself on these Spurs.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Lofton Jr is like a modern Zach Randolph.

[ace3g]

Malaki tied it up with a 3 but Lofton answers right back with the and-1.

Malaki hits another 3 to tie it again.

[Mnky]

How has the coach not got in barlows head that he does not need to jump against Lofton. His standing reach is enough to block him.

I want to see Barlow respond with Loftons showmanship.

[BatManu20]

They’re really letting this fat fuck get away with murder out there :lol

[Uriel]

Kenneth Lofton gives hope to couch potatoes everywhere that they too can make it in the NBA.

[BatManu20]

Lofton Jr is like a modern Zach Randolph.

Only much fatter and shorter. Lucky for him he’s playing against a lot of scrubs right now, but in a real NBA game, he’ll get played off the floor in two minutes with the PnR.

[Mnky]

Branham makes two shots in a row and doesn't touch the ball the next 3 possessions.

Coach Mitch gotta go.

[ace3g]

Malaki with another 3.

[Rito3d30]

Woodard sucks so bad....

[ace3g]

Malaki now gets the lead off an outlet pass and layup.

[Mnky]

Let Malakai take the rest of the shots man. Kid is feeling it. Feed him. This is what he was drafted for.

[Uriel]

Lofton reminds me of some of the older guys I used to play pickup against at the park as a kid growing up.

[ace3g]

Malaki with another 3!!!

[RC_Drunkford]

Lofton Jr has been bullying Chet Holmgren for a while now. No surprise here. He's overweighed, but has actually a lot of skills and a large wingspan

[RC_Drunkford]

can't wait to see the play the coach is drawing up :lol

[heyheymymy]

Can't wait for the highlight tape from Bran for this game wow

[mo7888]

Can a two-way contracted player be signed to a regular contract by another team? Asking for an overweight friend...

[Ditty]

Loftin gave VW a lot of trouble also . He’s the anti modern big man :lol

[timvp]

:lol Gotta hide the ball from Blake if you want it to eventually find Malaki . . .

[RC_Drunkford]

Can a two-way contracted player be signed to a regular contract by another team? Asking for an overweight friend...

the exact reason the 2-way exist is to prevent that

[offset formation]

Can a two-way contracted player be signed to a regular contract by another team? Asking for an overweight friend...

Why would we do that? He'd help us win.

[Mnky]

I love Wesley, but man the spurs do such a horrible job of feeding the hot hand. Horrible decision and shot. Get the ball to Malakai in that position.

[ace3g]

:lol Gotta hide the ball from Blake if you want it to eventually find Malaki . . .


Yeah, knew he wasn't going to run a play there...

[Mnky]

:lol Gotta hide the ball from Blake if you want it to eventually find Malaki . . .

:lol

[heyheymymy]

Bran 23 PTS 8-15 FG 5-8 3PM

[mo7888]

Why would we do that? He'd help us win.

Lol...I didn't say I was asking for us..

[Chomag]

Branham could have had a bunch more points had they worked the ball to him. Typical Spurs fashion is going away from the hot hand lol

[Ditty]

Definitely Wesley’s worst game so far. Can’t wait to see him in the preseason . Great game Malaki!

[ace3g]

This game will go to double OT and then we lose by sudden death.

[Uriel]

:lol Congrats Mitch, you finally won a game.

[heyheymymy]

Bran wouldve been the better FT shooter there to send to the line wtf why drop it to Blake?

[SPURt]

Wesley is going out with a whimper. Missing clutch free throws like a Spur already.

[Uriel]

:lol Congrats Mitch, you finally won a game.
:lol Spoke too soon.

[Russ]

Finally!

:cheer

[mo7888]

Gotta say as happy as I was with our draft I'm even more pleased with what I see now...I like both these guys and they both have a chance to carve out real careers but, I'm especially high on Malaki Branham.

[BatManu20]

The Spurs won a game. Bust out the champagne tbh.

[BackHome]

Bran is going to be that Cat that at the end of game your like what did he do and you look at the stats and he got 15 + points pretty much every game. I just hope he works on his defense I am old school I love when teams play tough D all day every day

[GAustex]

Good job by 22 in second half

[Robz4000]

Spurs didn't lose every game

:danceclub

[BatManu20]

1548453690867982341

[ace3g]

https://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/nba/500/sa.png&h=100&w=100 Spurs




STARTERS
MIN
FG
3PT
FT
OREB
DREB
REB
AST
STL
BLK
TO
PF
+/-
PTS


D. Barlow F
12
2-3
0-0
0-0
4
2
6
1
1
2
1
6
-3
4


R. Woodard II F
22
2-10
0-3
2-4
3
7
10
3
2
0
2
0
+1
6


D.J. Stewart Jr. F
26
7-10
1-2
1-3
0
3
3
0
0
0
1
1
+7
16


B. Wesley G
30
2-17
2-8
3-6
1
2
3
5
2
1
0
0
+9
9


M. Branham G
27
8-15
5-8
2-2
1
1
2
2
0
1
3
0
-4
23


BENCH
MIN
FG
3PT
FT
OREB
DREB
REB
AST
STL
BLK
TO
PF
+/-
PTS


J. Carlton C
22
4-6
0-0
1-2
4
4
8
2
1
1
3
2
+3
9


K. Edwards G
8
1-1
1-1
0-0
0
2
2
0
0
0
1
0
-1
3


A. Polite G
4
1-1
1-1
0-0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
+4
3


K. Bowman G
12
3-7
1-3
0-0
1
1
2
1
1
0
0
1
-2
7


J. Hall G
14
1-6
1-5
0-0
1
2
3
2
1
0
1
1
-7
3


S. Stefanovic G
16
1-6
1-4
0-0
1
0
1
4
0
0
0
0
+4
3


J. DeLaurier C
6
2-2
0-0
0-0
0
2
2
1
0
1
0
1
+2
4


D. Days F
Has not entered game


TEAM

34-84
13-35
9-17
16
27
43
21
8
6
12
12

90




40.5%
37.1%
52.9%

[Leetonidas]

Fun game

[Degoat]

Man that ESPN announcer has been throwing shade on the spurs all SL I feel like. Anyways, great game from Malaki! He’s got a lot of potential to be a great scorer.

[Uriel]

Well, at least we finished summer league on a positive note. Going winless would've been a minor embarrassment, even with all the injuries and players lost to COVID.

[heyheymymy]

at least 2 of those Bran 3PT were on kick outs from Barlow

[heyheymymy]

not sure how Barlow only has 1 ast maybe it was just one feed to Bran then.

[BackHome]

Thanks for posting stats..ACE....:)

[ace3g]

Pop told Blake to shoot the floater more and find the open man for the pass.

[Mr. Body]

Wesley needs a lot of work. He has a superpowered chassis and engine but a lot of crap in the frame.

Branham finally started getting shots. His form can actually be improved.

Mitch finally started running a second defender at Lofton and blew up a couple of possessions.

Barlow is someone I like, but bites on fakes and such, can be worked on.

Lofton is a bench stud.

[BackHome]

Man that ESPN announcer has been throwing shade on the spurs all SL I feel like. Anyways, great game from Malaki! He’s got a lot of potential to be a great scorer.

ESPN is going to hate the Spurs because we not bending our Knee in allowing them to get Kyrie got forbid we want a unprotected first round pick for taking Westbrick million dollar contract - How dare that franchise ask for that much - I don't care if they got all those "Special Breakfast Tacos'....lol...

[heyheymymy]

Dude 63% on volume threes from Branham what a draft night steal

[heyheymymy]

would almost rather keep Stewart than Weiskamp

[RC_Drunkford]

Pop told Malaki to shoot the floater more and find the open man for the pass.

that's Blake Wesley bruh :lmao

[heyheymymy]

obvs great pre intake demo from Blake and Bran and a really nice starting lump of clay to mould with that will only get tighter with tooling and development.

[Russ]

would almost rather keep Stewart than Weiskamp

Weiskampf has some serious work to do.

(I also like Stewart quite a bit.)

[ace3g]

that's Blake Wesley bruh :lmao

I just went back and made the change. While I was outside I was thinking "did I put Blake or Malaki in my post?"

[RC_Drunkford]

I just went back and made the change. While I was outside I was thinking "did I put Blake or Malaki in my post?"

oh the editing option is back? Great news :bobo

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcSw2HMZmI8

[Mr. Body]

Branham with 14 in the 4th, I think.

[BackHome]

Well that was a good couple of games glad that Blake and Bran..each had one very good game that will help their confidence in G League. Also, glad they had not so good games so it won't go to there head they both need to continue to work on there craft and get better at the little things. I think though the Spurs definitely scored an A in this draft it is going to be fun watching these kids grow up ....:)

[Dejounte]

Branham smiling at the fan at the end and giving his signature was a nice touch. I think he’s a nice kid.

Wesley gave a natural interview for once in that postgame interview

[tonight...you]

Branham smiling at the fan at the end and giving his signature was a nice touch. I think he’s a nice kid.

Wesley gave a natural interview for once in that postgame interview
I like the kids.
They have a ton to offer.
Hopefully it plays out.
We'll see.

[Atl Spur]

I like the kids.
They have a ton to offer.
Hopefully it plays out.
We'll see.

^this

It just takes time….

[callo1]

Branham is going to be a stud. I really like the fact that some of our young guys have a good amount of physicality to their game, which bodes well for matchups with teams like Memphis or Minnesota.

I really wish Days would have stayed in the mix because of his sheer versatility, but who knows, we might see him again.

[callo1]

Wesley needs a lot of work. He has a superpowered chassis and engine but a lot of crap in the frame.

Branham finally started getting shots. His form can actually be improved.

Mitch finally started running a second defender at Lofton and blew up a couple of possessions.

Barlow is someone I like, but bites on fakes and such, can be worked on.

Lofton is a bench stud.

Wesley reminds me of a half-blind mongoose on speed...dude seriously needs to slow down, evaluate the situation and then use his burst to get his shot or create for others. I like part of what I see, and I think he has wonderful potential, but he has to add control to his game.

[wildbill2u]

F===! That's two games with Wesley going like 2-15 or something. Coach should have put him on the bench to reflect on his sins if he's gonna be a black hole and then not make the shots he covets.

[RC_Drunkford]

One thing about Branham he‘s a closer. The Spurs were missing that type of player last season

[Atl Spur]

Keep schooling these boys……

[Spurs Homer]

I noticed two disturbing trends…

branham gets stripped of the ball - a LOT

Wesley is a crappy shooter and a ball hog

[TD 21]

Granted it's the lowest bar in the league, but Branham is probably already the best and most polished scorer on the team. He also already appears to have modernized his shot profile.

Wesley might have one of the most explosive first steps I've ever seen, but he's an out of control, selfish, low IQ mess.

[The Truth #6]

David Roddy AND Lofton Jr. Man, Memphis is all in on “fat guys with skills”.

[ismael-robert]

Has anyone compared Wes to Lonnie on being explosive but can't finish? Where's Lonnie now

[Dex]

Has anyone compared Wes to Lonnie on being explosive but can't finish? Where's Lonnie now

The comparison may be apt, but Wesley has plenty of time to improve and I think he comes in with the more polished shot.

More important, he's like 10x more aggressive than Lonnie ever was...to the point where he will need to dial it back a bit. I have no qualms with him jacking up shots in Summer League, especially since guys like Primo, Sochan, and eventually Days went out. The only person who I think it really affected was Branham, who I think should have seen more touches.

It will be interesting how he fits into Pop's system because I doubt he wants a rookie putting up 20 shots.

[JPB]

The comparison may be apt, but Wesley has plenty of time to improve and I think he comes in with the more polished shot.

More important, he's like 10x more aggressive than Lonnie ever was...to the point where he will need to dial it back a bit. I have no qualms with him jacking up shots in Summer League, especially since guys like Primo, Sochan, and eventually Days went out. The only person who I think it really affected was Branham, who I think should have seen more touches.

It will be interesting how he fits into Pop's system because I doubt he wants a rookie putting up 20 shots.

Or maybe he wants this year.

[KingKev]

Has anyone compared Wes to Lonnie on being explosive but can't finish? Where's Lonnie now

Few similarities if any.

[John B]

Has anyone compared Wes to Lonnie on being explosive but can't finish? Where's Lonnie now

Lonnie avoided contacts but would make that two pumps and try to lay it up. Wesley just plain wants to dunk it on everybody, relishes contacts and just pure fearlessness. And totally different mentality on both, Wesley believes he’s the best in the court while Lonnie defers.

[Fireball]

I have not watched this 5th game yet but Wesley tries many layups and gets blocked very often. His quick first step is great and if the Spurs would have great three point shooters spreading the court then this would be a great scoring threat. But in the four SL games I have watched the defenders quickly surround Wesley and just block his shot.

Branham tries to to dunk and of course misses as any Spurs rookies do ...

[Dex]

I have not watched this 5th game yet but Wesley tries many layups and gets blocked very often. His quick first step is great and if the Spurs would have great three point shooters spreading the court then this would be a great scoring threat. But in the four SL games I have watched the defenders quickly surround Wesley and just block his shot.

Branham tries to to dunk and of course misses as any Spurs rookies do ...

I noticed this too...dude got blocked at the rim so much. It's like he just goes up and hopes for the best...that's not gonna work against NBA athletes.

He'll need to learn to either put a body into somebody to take away the block, or start developing some short-range game (floaters, stop-and-pops, etc.)

[couchman]

Until now Wes has been accustomed to using his explosive first step to blow by people and get layups but at this level you will be contested at the rim.
Wes also doesn't get a lot of elevation off of one foot so he needs to get craftier on his finishes around the basket or maybe even just slow down a little bit to figure out a better finish.

DJM had similar struggles at the rim. His offensive game took a big leap forward in the last two seasons when he finally found a way to use his length to get off his sweeping right handed layups.
I think Wes will figure out his go-to finishing moves as well. I think more reverse layups for starters.

[Atl Spur]

Wesley will get better handling the ball and harnessing his speed of play. He will get better….. best place in the world for him to develop. Great canvas to work with!!!

[dbestpro]

Wesley needs to learn the tear drop aka Parker to keep the big honest when he attacks the basket.