Spurs beat Cleveland 97-89. Like any summer league game, it was super sloppy, but I saw a lot of good things.
Lonnie was clearly the best player on the floor, which is what he should be. 20 points and 7 boards, got into the paint with ease and finished or drew a foul every time. His jumper looks much better, going 8/12 and hitting several pull up jumpers off the dribble. He was 0/2 from 3, with a pull up and a catch and shoot, so gotta work on that but that's a very small sample size. His defense was much better than it was last year. He fought over/under screens rather than getting caught up in them and he didn't get lost off the ball or on switches. Did have 3 turnovers and only 2 assist, so gotta keep working on his play making.
Luka Samanic had a solid game. Started real slow, but got it going in the second half and finished with 11 points 7 boards and 2 blocks. He's way more athletic than he looks! Took his defender off the dribble and got the hole multiple times, jumps really well going for blocks and rebounds, moved his feet and contested on switches on defense. He made his only 3 point attempt, a catch and shoot from the left wing, but the form looks great. He has to put on muscle to be able to play in the NBA, has trouble finishing several times because he couldn't fight through the contact. He did try to dunk on two dudes, so I love the fearlessness.
Keldon Johnson had a quiet night with 4 point 2 rebounds and a steal. He didn't get a chance to shoot any 3s, but he did attack close outs and showed some potential to have some slashing ability. He played some really solid, smart defense in spurts. He's young, so he's got a lot to learn, but during possessions he's play really well for the first part of the action then get lost once the ball was passed around a couple times. Tough on a young player and he was guarding Dylan Windler, who was by far Cleveland's best player. But, he didn't foul and he moves his feet well and competes.
Quinndary Weatherspoon looked very good, especially early tonight. 13 points on 5/8 shooting 1/2 from 3, a couple boards, a couple assists, and he looked very comfortable out there. His age and more time playing at a high level definitely benefitted him. He moved constantly on offense, cutting, spacing, attacking with the ball. He made some really nice passes and saw some openings, but wasn't able to complete the play, which led to 4 turnovers. I was disappointed in his defense, he wasn't awful, but he picked up 4 fouls and gambled a couple times when he shouldn't have. I think he'll be a solid two way player that I'd like to get a lot of minutes playing PG in Austin this season.
It was a solid first outing overall. We'll play again tomorrow at 6.
