As I was going through the NBA box scores recently, I came across the February 28 contest between the San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies. The Spurs played well in a 118-105 defeat, and I saw it as a defeat with a silver lining. Here’s why.
Dejounte Murray Showed Off His Defensive Prowess. Dejounte Murray pocketed a failed pass from Grizzlies’ Ja Morant for a wide-open layup on the game’s first possession. Murray showed his skills as a point guard, getting into the lane and creating opportunities for his teammates. He also did a good job defending Morant, keeping him from getting too many open looks, and showed great chemistry with Jakob Poeltl. The duo connected on a few shots that got the crowd going. Murray is proving he is a player to watch.
Lonnie Walker IV Shined. Walker’s aggressiveness was on full display, coming off the bench to score 11 points in the first quarter alone. That’s the kind of explosiveness fans expect from Walker. With his athleticism and scoring ability, Walker can be a difference-maker. And even though he had a tough night from long range, Walker still ended with 22 points. I loved his energy and scoring ability, and both will be needed if the Spurs are to move up in the standings.
Keldon Johnson’s Resounding Fastbreak Slam. Yowza! In the second quarter, the 22-year-old rookie slammed the ball through the hoop with such ferocity that it knocked the net off its support and sent the backboard shaking. It was a sight to behold! Even better, it showed fans what they can expect in the future from this athletic and powerful NBA newcomer.
Jakob Poeltl Defending Ja Morant. Guarding Ja Morant is a challenging task across the NBA because he’s one of the most explosive players in the league. Morant scored 52 points on the night, but Poeltl’s persistence kept the Spurs in the game. The Spurs need his good play to continue.
The San Antonio Spurs Keeps Pushing. The biggest takeaway for me was that the Spurs displayed a never-give-up attitude, even against teams that are contenting for an NBA crown. That makes San Antonio a good betting option, so check out the Spurs when you evaluate NBA lines.
Final Thoughts. The Spurs have a good mix of veterans and up-and-coming stars who play well together and are tough to beat. They’ve won seven of their last eight games, with the only loss–by a single point–coming at the hands of those pesky Grizzlies. Keep your eye on San Antonio!
