Game Thoughts: Spurs vs. Clippers - SL Game 4

[timvp]

To improve their record to 4-0, the Spurs summer league team disposed of the Clippers by a final score of 77-62. L.A. held an 18-12 advantage at the end of the first quarter but San Antonio stormed back in the second. With the offense flowing and the defense swarming, the Spurs outscored the Clippers 27-8 in the period. The silver and black never looked back.

Defense remains this team's calling card. In the four games, opponents are averaging 69.5 points per game and shooting 40.7% from the field. The Spurs are getting it done on D mostly due to the perimeter players pressuring the basketball relentlessly -- and that's supported by the fact that San Antonio is forcing 23 turnovers a game.

Alonzo Gee
28:23 minutes, 20 points, 6 rebounds, 3 turnovers
7-for-12 from the field, 2-for-3 on three-pointers, 4-for-7 at the line
This was easily Alonzo Gee's best game of summer league. Offensively, he was patient and moved the ball well when there wasn't an opening. When he saw daylight, Gee attacked the rim with ferocity. It was also good to see him hit his first two three-pointers of summer league. Defensively, Gee was solid. A few times he applied too much pressure but he definitely did more good than bad on that end of the court. Rebounding was also a positive for Gee once again. There's no doubt that he has earned a spot in training camp. The next step for Gee will be in preseason when he tries to prove to the Spurs that he can compete game-in and game-out against NBA swingmen.

Curtis Jerrells
24:45 minutes, 6 points, 7 assists, 2 rebounds, 5 steals, 3 turnovers
2-for-9 from the floor, 0-for-2 on three-pointers, 2-for-2 at the line
Curtis Jerrells is slowly but surely looking more like a point guard. He still has to figure out how to mix in his own shot when running the show -- but there is definite progress. In the final three quarters, Jerrells really looked comfortable on the offensive end. On defense, Jerrells was very good. He annihilated Eric Bledsoe, holding the first round pick to 1-for-5 shooting while forcing him into eight turnovers. Jerrells very well could be worthy of a roster spot so that the Spurs can let him continue to grow in Austin for another season.

Gary Neal
23:04 minutes, 8 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 turnovers
3-for-9 from the field, 2-for-6 on three-pointers
Gary Neal had a chance to improve his stock even more but came out ice cold. He eventually warmed up but his reputation as a dead-eye shooter definitely took a hit. The good news is Neal's defense looked much improved. He's no longer the liability he was in the first few outings. Overall, Neal has certainly opened some eyes in his first summer league. The final game is perhaps most important for Neal. If he can author another quality shooting affair, he may get a training camp invite with guaranteed money from an NBA team.

Tyler Wilkerson
24:40 minutes, 12 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 turnovers
6-for-10 from the field
No player on the team has improved from game to game as much as Tyler Wilkerson. Coming out of Marshall, Wilkerson wasn't on anyone's radar to get drafted. Now, after four summer league games, the 6-foot-8 power forward is beginning to look like a legit NBA prospect. As his confidence has grown, Wilkerson has been effective on both sides of the court. On offense, he can shoot the J or drive to the hoop. When he's around the rim, he finishes with authority. Defensively, he's quick enough to defend out on the perimeter. His height hurts him a bit around the rim, although Wilkerson's jumping ability and tenaciousness help make up the difference. He's still a long shot to make an NBA roster this season, but he has undoubtedly improved his chances exponentially.

Dwayne Mitc
19:17 minutes, 8 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, 3 turnovers
3-for-6 from the floor, 0-for-2 on three-pointers, 2-for-3 at the line
Dwayne Mitc had another good game. Defensively, he's great in the passing lanes and uses his elite athleticism to his advantage to cause chaos. On offense, his aggressiveness is his biggest weapon. In a blink of an eye, he can get into the lane and explode to the basket. To overcome his lack of height (6-foot-3) at the shooting guard position, Mitc would need to shoot better from the outside and show more of an ability to make plays for others.

Darryl Watkins
18:17 minutes, 4 points, 5 rebounds
1-for-4 from the field, 2-for-2 at the line
There's not much new to report on Darryl Watkins. He's a good rebounder who scores well around the rim. His post defense has been good but he remains a non-factor when it comes to shot blocking. He may get an invite to a training camp ... but it'd likely just be as a practice dummy.

Eric Dawson
11:06 minutes, 6 points, 1 rebound
3-for-4 from the floor
For the first time, Eric Dawson appeared to be comfortable with the ball. He had a handful of good possessions, including a few quality moves in the post. Defensively, he was decent. Dawson's lack of rebounding hurt the team a bit but his knowledge of where to be on that end is advanced thanks to his years with the Toros.

Squeaky Johnson
14:31 minutes, 4 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
0-for-5 from the field, 0-for-1 on three-pointers, 4-for-4 at the line
Squeaky Johnson orchestrated the offense well but his inability to score the ball is glaring. He's now just 2-for-13 from the field in summer league. Defensively, the 5-foot-10 point guard is a pest who always brings boundless energy.

Michael Cuffee
10:00 minutes, 2 points, 1 turnover
1-for-4 from the field
I see no potential here.

Josh Lomers
10:37 minutes, 2 rebounds, 7 fouls, 2 turnovers
0-for-2 from the field
His jumping ability -- or lack thereof -- is comical at times. The best thing you can say about Josh Lomers is he isn't afraid to foul.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

I guess I'll join the spurstalk camp that will start riding Gee's jock to be the next Shane Battier

We need a ing miracle.

[Interrohater]

We need a ing miracle.

[ace3g]

Josh Lomers
10:37 minutes, 2 rebounds, 7 fouls, 2 turnovers
0-for-2 from the field
His jumping ability -- or lack thereof -- is comical at times. The best thing you can say about Josh Lomers is he isn't afraid to foul.

DeJuan45

This dude Josh Lomers said he is the 6th most fouling out basketball player in BAYLER University CTFU!! http://tweetphoto.com/33522258 SMH!!

[beachwood]

Wilkerson deserves serious consideration to earn a spot on the team. I've been impressed with his play. He's like Gist realized talent.