The Austin Spurs fell to G League Ignite by a final score of 127-92 on Saturday night in the team’s last regular-season game. The Spurs were led in scoring by 2-way player Quinndary Weatherspoon who had 22 points in 22 minutes.
After that game, Spurs coach Matt Nielsen was, understandibly, not as positive as the media on the post game Zoom call.
That wasn't us. That wasn't us in a lot of ways. We will have to go look at and go over a few things. I don't know, maybe these guys don't like rest. We only had two days off, but we came out flat and never got going. It's something like I said, these guys are fantastic and have shown that so many times. We have to move on fairly quickly. We have to address a few things. We have to take on the game in front of his which is elimination now. It's kind of fun. We are looking forward to it. We didn't want that as our last step. It is what it is. These guys have reacted well through this whole tournament."
- Austin Spurs Coach Matt Nielsen
While the result of their last game was not what they wanted, the Spurs finished the season with an impressive 10-5. In true G League fashion one could not predict how things would unfold when the season firs tipped off on February 10th. The Spurs were led early by Luka Samanic and Tre Jones, who were subsequently called up as the San Antonio Spurs found themselves short handed as they dealt with Covid protocols. Throw in a couple of flux assignees, inconstant shooting and the late assignment of Quinndary Weatherspoon to the team, Coach Nielsen has done an admiral job developing the team while still producing wins.
After the game, I had a chance to ask Coach Nielsen if he has had time to reflect on the truncated season. In true Spurs fashion, he remained focused on the next step:
I've enjoyed it. It feels like we have a few different teams, different looks. That's kind of been fun to watch the boys navigate that. Like I said, the heart and sole of it has been the same in the way they played so that's been really encouraging. We will probably worry about the reflection stuff a little later. ... I'm excited knowing how these guys have continuously taking on challenges that were we are right now and I look forward to seeing the reaction.
- Austin Spurs Coach Matt Nielsen
Speaking of the next step, the Spurs are the fifth seed and.have secured a rematch against the Delaware Blue Coats. In their first game without Samanic and Jones, the Spurs were defeated by the Blue Coats 122-107 on February 21st. "I look forward to playing them again", said Coach Nielsen after the game. "I am excited for that challenge".
All four first round games of the single elimination playoffs take place on Monday March 8th. The Spurs are the final game of the day, taking to the court at 8:15 PM ET (7:15 PM CT).
Media courtesy of the Austin Spurs
Bracket via NBAGLeague.com