5 Takeaways From Spurs’ Preseason Win Over Suns
· Yahoo Sports
San Antonio Spurs’ 123-103 win over the Phoenix Suns showed how the Spurs are building their offense aroundVictor Wembanyama and three guards. The result was encouraging, though the starting lineup’s slow start showed that the new additions still need time to gel.
5 Spurs Takeaways in Preseason Victory Over SunsPhoenix rested several regulars, including Devin Booker, which limits the meaning of the performance. Even so, Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Carter Bryant gave San Antonio plenty to examine before the regular season.
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1. The Three-Guard Lineup Needs More Time
San Antonio started De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper alongside Devin Vassell and Wembanyama. The lineup gave the Spurs three ball handlers, but the opening minutes showed how difficult it could be to involve everyone. The starters made only one of their first 10 shots and scored 3 points before the first substitution.
San Antonio recovered and led 60-49 at halftime, but the slow start showed that talent alone will not make the lineup work. Fox, Castle and Harper must learn when to run the offense, move without the ball and play through Wembanyama.
Fox played only 19 minutes after returning from a hip issue, while Harper is still adjusting to the NBA. Building that chemistry will take time. The Spurs must also rebound and run in transition to get the most from the smaller lineup.
2. Victor Wembanyama Gave the Offense a Reliable Option
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) looks up the court in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Photo Credit: Daniel Dunn, Imagn Images via Reuters ConnectWembanyama scored 19 points on 9-of-14 shooting in 23 minutes while adding four blocks and three assists. His efficiency gave San Antonio a dependable option when its guards struggled to create clean shots.
How the Spurs use Wembanyama will matter as much as his production. Fox, Castle and Harper can beat defenders off the dribble, but those drives become harder when opponents pack the paint. Wembanyama can punish that coverage near the rim or draw help and open space for teammates. The guards must find those openings instead of forcing difficult shots.
His defensive value was just as clear, though San Antonio cannot expect him to erase every mistake. The guards must limit penetration, and the other players must help finish possessions with rebounds. Wembanyama has a greater impact when the defense supports him, rather than relying on his blocks to save broken plays.
3. Stephon Castle Scored Without His Jumper
Castle finished with 18 points and made 14 of 15 free throws despite shooting 2-of-5 from the field and missing both three-point attempts. His ability to draw contact gave San Antonio another scoring option when his jump shot was not falling.
That skill helps a lineup built around several young guards. Castle can pressure defenders and get to the line, but opponents may eventually back off, forcing him to shoot from outside. His progress as a shooter will shape how teams defend him when he does not have the ball.
A more dependable perimeter shot would leave defenses with fewer chances to help off Castle. It would also open driving lanes for Fox and create more room for Wembanyama inside.
4. Rebounding Helped Protect Smaller Lineup
San Antonio outrebounded Phoenix 56-44 and collected 12 offensive rebounds. Rookie center Tarris Reed Jr. led the Spurs with 9 boards, showing that the team could find rebounding help beyond its starting lineup.
That margin matters because a three-guard lineup can struggle against bigger frontcourts. Wembanyama cannot contest every shot and secure every rebound, especially when opponents pull him away from the basket.
Reed’s contribution gave San Antonio another option, though Phoenix’s missing regulars make the result less convincing. The Spurs still must show they can control the glass against stronger teams.
5. Carter Bryant Made a Case for Rotation Minutes
San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant (11) dribbles up the court in the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Frost Bank Center. Photo Credit: Daniel Dunn, Imagn Images via Reuters ConnectBryant scored 16 points in 16 minutes, made four of seven three-pointers and added five rebounds and two blocks. His shooting could create space and help solve one of the Spurs’ 3 problems when opponents send more defenders toward the guards and Wembanyama.
One strong performance does not guarantee Bryant a regular role. San Antonio rested several rotation players, giving more minutes to its younger core.
Bryant must defend consistently, make quick decisions and hit open shots against regular-season pressure. If he does, his shooting and defensive activity could give the Spurs another useful lineup option.
The Last Word
San Antonio has promising players, but the three-guard lineup must still work against a full-strength opponent. Wembanyama gives the Spurs a clear offensive option, Castle’s ability to draw fouls provides another route to points, and Bryant could improve spacing.
The rebounding advantage also mattered, though Phoenix’s absences limit what the result proves. San Antonio’s next challenge is turning those individual strengths into a lineup that holds up when the regular season begins.
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Photo Credit: Daniel Dunn, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect