Grades: San Antonio Spurs at Minnesota Timberwolves – Game #32
Devin Vassell didn’t quite do enough for the Spurs to get a win (Photo via X)
In an entertaining back and forth affair, the San Antonio Spurs lost a close one to the Minnesota Timberwolves by a final count of 112-110. The loss drops the Spurs back to .500 at 16-16, while the Timberwolves are now 17-14 on the season.
The good guys were rolling in the first quarter and led 33-25 at the end of the period. Unfortunately, the second quarter included a lot of the Spurs struggling. The Timberwolves locked in defensively and held San Antonio to 12 points in the second.
Instead of folding after facing a double-digit deficit, the Spurs rallied back in the third quarter. The game was tied heading into the final stanza and remained close the rest of the way. The Spurs had multiple opportunities to tie or go ahead in the closing minutes but they couldn’t quite get over the hump.
Stats: Spurs at Timberwolves
Spurs at Timberwolves – Final Grades
Victor Wembanyama
The good: I loved Wembanyama’s aggression. I don’t have a problem with him shooting 30 times. Wembanyama’s passion and determination were leading traits in San Antonio’s comeback. He hit many big shots and his motor was always on. Finishing with one turnover and zero fouls in this physical, intense game was miraculous. Good try, good effort. The bad: Wembanyama seemed to be running on fumes late in the fourth quarter and missed his final four three-pointers and a free throw that could have tied it. His rebounding was lacking throughout the game and his rim protection wasn’t nearly as special as usual. Wembanyama’s decision-making could have been better in all aspects of the game. Overall: The large Frenchman was very productive and the Spurs would have been toast without him. That said, he could have played better based on his very high standards.
Grade: B+
Devin Vassell
Better. Vassell’s shot-selection was scary at times but, all in all, he did a better job of playing as part of the team. He shot the ball well from all distances, he tallied four assists and didn’t turn the ball over. I also thought his defense got better and better and Vassell aided the cause with seven rebounds. He has room to keep improving and keep learning how to stay without the team concepts but this was a step in the right direction.
Grade: B+
Chris Paul
The Timberwolves clearly wanted to slow down Paul — and they had some success in doing just that. He missed all six shots from the field, including four from downtown. However, he was 6-for-6 from the free throw line and dished out 14 assists without turning the ball over. His running of the offense was pristine and the Spurs were unquestionably at their best when it was Paul orchestrating the attack. Defensively, he was impressive. Paul was very vocal and he was trying to swipe anything in his vicinity.
Grade: B+
Jeremy Sochan
First of all, Sochan deserves a lot of credit for his defense. He was the primary defender on Anthony Edwards, who was 6-for-20 from the field. His relentless effort out on the perimeter was applause-worthy. Unfortunately, there were some weaknesses to Sochan’s game tonight. His rebounding was poor, he was too sloppy with the ball and he had issues putting the ball in the basket. Going 2-for-8 won’t get it done, especially because Minnesota wasn’t paying much attention to him. It must also be noted that it was Sochan who missed what would have been a game-winning three-pointer in the closing seconds.
Grade: B-
Harrison Barnes
Barnes rebounded after a string of nondescript games with a fine outing in Minnesota. He scored 24 points on 8-for-9 shooting from the field. He got himself involved and never took his foot off the gas. When he’s looking to score, Barnes is a valuable offensive piece. From quick trigger three-pointers to hard-nosed drives to the cup, he was doing it all against the Timberwolves. Regrettably, though, Barnes’ defense left a lot to be desired. When the Spurs were getting burned off the dribble, it was usually his fault. That said, on this night, Barnes’ offense more than picked up the slack.
Grade: A-
Keldon Johnson
Considering that the rest of the bench was pretty damn bad, Johnson deserves credit for keeping his head above water. He was 0-for-5 from three-point range but was 5-for-6 from inside of the arc and added three free throws. His finishing at the rim was important and he played a clean brand of basketball. Johnson’s defense was also better than usual. Improved three-point shooting and more playmaking would be appreciated — but, again, he was by far the best reserve tonight for San Antonio.
Grade: B
Tre Jones
Jones played 13 minutes and didn’t get a lot done. He took care of the ball on offense — but that was about it. He had a layup and a couple assists but it was the safety of the ball in his hands that really stood out. Defensively, the effort was there but Jones did more harm than good on that end.
Grade: C
Julian Champagnie
Welp, Champagnie went scoreless in 11 minutes of play. He missed all four of his shots from the field, including a pair from three-point territory. To Champagnie’s credit, he did play pretty good defense even though he put up a goose egg in the scoring column.
Grade: C
Stephon Castle
In what has to be Castle’s worst game of his rookie campaign, he spent eight forgettable minutes on the court. In that time he turned the ball over four times, which was extra egregious because the entire team only had nine turnovers. Beyond those miscues, his one shot from the field was an ill-advised three-pointer. No, yeah, let’s hope Castle bounces back quickly from this poor showing.
Grade: F
Zach Collins
This was Collins’ first minutes in three weeks — and the rust was painfully obvious. He was bad. What stood out most of all was his poor rebounding. His reaction speed was glacial and he showed no toughness. In Collins’ seven minutes, all he did was foul three times, turn it over and miss a three-point shot. Nothing he did tonight should win him any further playing time.
Grade: D-
Charles Bassey
Bassey was playing nonchalant basketball and then eventually lost his spot in the rotation to Collins. His numbers look fine but Bassey has to play with more fire than what we witnessed this evening.
Grade: D+
Mitch Johnson
I actually liked the playcalling for the most part. Johnson successfully got Wembanyama involved early and often. Plays called for Vassell, KJ and Barnes usually paid dividends. The defensive gameplan was also fine. Johnson’s rotation left much to be desired, though. Going to Collins was a mistake. In fact, his entire usage of the bench unit didn’t make a whole lot of sense. Most damning, however, was the coaching staff failing to get Wembanyama enough rest in the second half. The superstar sophomore was obviously exhausted in the end stages of the fourth quarter, which clearly played a part in the loss.
Grade: C-