Spurs Open Summer League Stint with Win Over Grizzlies

[SPURSGOAT]

San Antonio 78, Memphis 76

Las Vegas, July 14 – Ian Mahinmi's 18-point performance led San Antonio to a 78-76 win Monday night in the team's first game at the 2008 NBA Summer League Presented by EA SPORTS held in the Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of UNLV. Memphis fell to 2-2 on the league.

Mahinmi's effort was complimented by George Hill who finished with 17 points while Memphis' Darrell Arthur led all scorers with 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the floor.

First-round draft selections O.J. Mayo and Arthur kept Memphis close in the first period as the two comprised 13 of the squad's 17 first-quarter points. Mayo punctuated the quarter with a long-range buzzer-beating three pointer to bring his Grizzlies within three; 20-17. Arthur continued to dominate in the second period, scoring nine points to finish the half leading all scorers with 15 as Memphis led San Antonio by four; 35-31.

Following a close third quarter, the Spurs recaptured the lead in the game's final stanza. Spurs guard Michael Cuffee tried to put the game on ice with a pair of free throws with 13 seconds to play, before P.J. Tucker of the Grizzlies stepped to the stripe and hit two of his own, bringing Memphis back within two; 75-73. Following several more trips to the free throw line for both squads and a Mayo three-pointer with 3.1 to play, the Spurs clung to a two-point lead as time expired; 78-76.

Notes: San Antonio returns to action on Tuesday July 15, when they face the New Orleans Hornets at 5:30 p.m. at Thomas & Mack, while Memphis takes squares off against the L.A. Clippers on Wednesday, July 16 at 7 p.m. in the COX Pavilion.

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[Tully365]

Well, game one is finished and George Hill looks pretty good so far. He grabbed 8 rebounds from the guard position-- a strength of his that is similar to that of Kelenna Azubuike, a free agent the Spurs were unable to get. He drew a ton of fouls-- similar to Maggette. And he played great D against a highly touted 6'5" shooting guard-- similar to what Pietrus might have done. He also brought the ball upcourt on almost every possession and only had 2 turnovers all game. He looked a little nervous in the first half, and settled down in the second. I look for him to have an even better game tomorrow.

[angelbelow]

really liked what i saw from our rookies except for hairston.

[SKINNYPIMP210]

Well, game one is finished and George Hill looks pretty good so far. He grabbed 8 rebounds from the guard position-- a strength of his that is similar to that of Kelenna Azubuike, a free agent the Spurs were unable to get. He drew a ton of fouls-- similar to Maggette. And he played great D against a highly touted 6'5" shooting guard-- similar to what Pietrus might have done. He also brought the ball upcourt on almost every possession and only had 2 turnovers all game. He looked a little nervous in the first half, and settled down in the second. I look for him to have an even better game tomorrow.

True Dat, I'm waiting for tomorrows game. Damn 8 rebounds at a Guard position is pretty nice.

[mrspurs]

yeah......