Grades: San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks – Game #64
De’Aaron Fox’s near triple-double led the Spurs over the Mavs (Photo via X)
This time, the San Antonio Spurs took care of business against a short-handed Dallas Mavericks squad. The 126-116 victory snapped a three-game losing streak for the Spurs and improved their record to 27-37.
Early on, San Antonio’s offense was stuck in the mud. There were long stretches in the first quarter where the Spurs couldn’t score and were instead turning it over.
Thankfully, after scoring only 20 points in the first quarter, the Spurs bounced back with 44 points in the second quarter. In the second half, San Antonio’s defense stiffened. The Spurs were in full control in the fourth period and were able to waltz to the win.
All in all, this was a feel-good win for the Spurs after a few frustrating games.
Stats: Spurs vs. Mavericks
Spurs vs. Mavericks – Final Grades
De’Aaron Fox
It wasn’t the most efficient shooting performance for Fox but he played well overall. His ability to get into the paint whenever he wanted broke down Dallas’ defense and created space for his teammates. Fox was aggressive but he also found his teammates on his way to a near triple-double. Defensively, he was more active than usual and applied a healthy amount of pressure. This game-changing version of Fox is who the Spurs had in mind when they made the trade.
Grade: A
Devin Vassell
Vassell had a well-rounded outing versus the Mavs. He was 4-for-6 from two-point range, handed out six assists, grabbed ten rebounds and only turned it over once. He was also making plays on the defensive end, which is something he has done a lot more lately. Vassell’s three-point shooting was wonky (2-for-8) but he didn’t let it negatively impact the other aspects of his game. This type of outing is a step in the right direction.
Grade: B+
Chris Paul
It was another productive evening for the veteran point guard. Paul handed out nine assists in only 25 minutes, while hitting 3-of-6 shots from deep. His defense was nothing to write home about but the effort was there. The glaring negative for Paul on this night was his looseness with the ball; it was at a level you almost never see.
Grade: B
Harrison Barnes
It’s safe to say that Barnes would love to keep going against the Mavs. In these last two games, he’s 18-for-21 from the field and 5-for-7 from three-point land. Like he did on Monday, Barnes used his power to score over the short-handed Mavericks. He also took advantage of any open looks with a decisive decision. Barnes didn’t do anything too dramatic on the defensive end but he also wasn’t a liability.
Grade: A-
Bismack Biyombo
Biyombo’s numbers don’t jump off the page in a positive manner but he was good. His relentless hustle on both ends of the court and in transition was contagious. He could usually be found blowing up whatever it was that the Mavs were trying to accomplish. Biyombo also did well on the glass and limited his mistakes.
Grade: A-
Stephon Castle
Castle didn’t have a good game. Four turnovers, four fouls and only eight points in 27 minutes? Yeah, this game won’t further his chances to win the ROTY trophy. But, honestly, I thought it actually exhibited some growth for Castle. Instead of making a bad game even worse, the rookie stopped pushing the issue and instead started doing the little things. His defense was better than usual and his ball-movement was snappier. Good look, rook.
Grade: D+
Jeremy Sochan
After missing a game with a bruised calf, Sochan was back in action and looked pretty darn good. He was willing to fire three-pointers, which helped create spacing. He attacked the rim with gusto, no matter if he was sedentary in the paint or if he was crashing the hoop from the perimeter. Sochan made smart passes, went without a turnover in 24 minutes and was alive on the glass. Defense was more hit-or-miss but he did have a handful of really solid possessions.
Grade: B+
Julian Champagnie
Champagnie’s struggles from three-point territory carried forward to another game. The good news, though, is that he kept playing. Champagnie went to the rim with power, ran the court with purpose and hustled for loose balls with passion. I liked the edge he played with — even though there were missed threes and a missed dunk along the way.
Grade: B-
Keldon Johnson
Johnson took full advantage of his 17 minutes. Although he didn’t even attempt a three-pointer, he more than made up for it by battering the paint. Only two of his shots were away from the basket — and none were further than seven feet from the rim. Johnson’s attacking paid dividends with a good shooting percentage and four free throw attempts. However, more than his scoring, it was Johnson putting his body on the line that truly inspired his teammates. He was diving left and right and, on this night at least, he was the heart and soul of the team.
Grade: A
Sandro Mamukelashvili
Mamukelashvili played with enthusiasm like usual but there wasn’t a whole lot of tangible production. If anything, his lack of size or quickness on defense made it difficult to hide him during his five minutes on the court.
Grade: C-
Mitch Johnson
I liked Johnson’s coaching for the most part. Leaning on Fox when he was playing well was a good learning experience for everyone involved. Johnson let Castle play through his struggles, which was a plus. To be fair, though, KJ should have played more minutes with how well he was playing and how much effort he was putting into it.
Grade: B+