Spurs coach Mitch Johnson confirmed Friday that he will use a three-guard lineup to open the season, with De’Aaron Fox, Castle Stefan and Dylan Harper on the site nearby Devin Vassell and Victor Wembanyamaaccording to ESPN’s Michael C. Wright. Johnson’s announcement came after months of speculation that Harper was ready for a starting role after a strong rookie season.
“We have a talented group, especially in the backcourt” Fox said. “When we make shots, it allows other guys to come down. We can run the defense and teams know what we want to do. There’s no secret to that. So a lot of our season, a lot of that special first team, is going to depend on how we shoot the ball.”
Wright notes that San Antonio used that group in Wednesday’s win over Phoenix, and they went plus-10 in 11 minutes on the floor. The main weakness was three-point shooting as they were 2 of 9 as a unit, but only one miss was made by the three guards. The Spurs were able to overcome their lack of height and outplay the Suns while the starters were playing.
“When it clicked, it clicked” Vembanyama said. “The biggest thing is having handlers around me, guys, we want to put the ball in their hands and roll around me.”
There are more from San Antonio:
- In an interview with Mark J. Spears from AndscapeFox admits the high ankle sprain he suffered against Minnesota in Game 4 of the second round affected him for the remainder of the playoffs. It usually takes four to six weeks to recover from the injury, but Fox, who was heavily criticized during the NBA Finals, said he couldn’t pass up the chance to compete for a title. “Why did I play? I felt I could help the team.” – he said. “After seeing OKC’s (conference finals) run, I thought there were things I could come in and help with. If you ask any player — and you can use Tyrese (Halliburton) as the biggest (example) for that – you know there’s a chance you could get injured if you have a sprained shin. And he said, “Oh, it’s Game 7 of the Finals. And for me, there’s nothing more I want to do than play this game. My first time in the conference finals, my first time in the finals. So of course I want to play.”
- After Friday’s game, Keldon Johnson told reporters he lost 15 to 20 pounds over the summer, according to Tom Orsborn of The San Antonio Express-News (Link to Twitter). “I feel better” – he said. “I feel like an all-arounder, I’m faster, I’m just as strong. … I’m moving well, my body feels good. And overall I feel like I’m better.”
- Tension in my left calf Tobias Harris doubtful for the opener, but coach Johnson says his condition is “improving,” adds Orsborn (Link to Twitter).
