Spurs coach Mitch Johnson confirmed on Friday that he will use a three-guard lineup for the season opener, with De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper on the court alongside Devin Vassell and Victor Wembanyamaaccording to Michael C. Wright of ESPN. Johnson’s announcement follows months of speculation that Harper is ready for a starting role after a strong rookie season.
“We have a talented group, especially in the backcourt,” Fox said. “When we’re making shots, it allows other guys to be able to get downhill. We can spread the defense out, and teams know what we want to do. There’s no secret about it. So a lot of our season, a lot of how special that first group can be, it’s going to be predicated on how we shoot the ball.”
Wright notes that San Antonio used that group in Wednesday’s victory over Phoenix and they were plus-10 during their 11 minutes on the court. The main downside was three-point shooting as they were 2-of-9 as a unit, but only one of the misses came from the three guards. The Spurs were able to overcome a height disadvantage and outrebound the Suns while the starters were playing.
“When it clicked, it clicked,” Wembanyama said. “The biggest thing is I’ve got handlers all around me, guys we want to put the ball in their hands and pick and roll around me.”
There’s more from San Antonio:
- In an interview with Marc J. Spears of AndscapeFox admits that a high ankle sprain he suffered against Minnesota in Game Four of the second round affected him for the rest of the playoffs. The injury normally takes four to six weeks to recover from, but Fox, who came under heavy criticism during the NBA Finals, stated that he couldn’t pass up the chance to compete for a title. “Why did I play? I felt like I could help the team,” he said. “Seeing the OKC (conference finals) series, I thought there were things I could come out there and help with. If you ask any player — and you could use Tyrese (Haliburton) as the biggest (example) for that — you know there is a chance you could get hurt if you have a calf strain. And he was like, ‘Oh, this is Game 7 of the Finals. And for me, there is nothing more I want to do than play in this game. This is my first time being in the conference finals, first time being in the Finals. So, of course I want to play.”
- After Friday’s game, Keldon Johnson told reporters that he lost between 15-20 pounds during the summer, per Tom Orsborn of The San Antonio Express-News (Twitter link). “I feel like I’m better,” he said. “I feel like all-around game I’m faster, just as strong. … I’m moving good, my body feels good. And, overall, I just feel like I’m better.”
- A left calf strain has Tobias Harris questionable for the opener, but coach Johnson says his condition is “improving,” Orsborn adds (Twitter link).