A strong start (33-24 first quarter) and, more importantly, a strong finish (36-28 fourth quarter) propelled the Austin Spurs to a 116-111 come from behind victory over the Forty Wayne Mad Ants on Monday. The Spurs are now a perfect 4-0 in the NBA G League bubble!
While he had his triple double streak stopped at three games, San Antonio Spurs assignee Luka Samanic continued to shine, especially during the 4th quarter. Samanic led all scorers with 26 points (on 10-17 shooting), 9 rebounds and a +18 rating. While Samanic was cold from behind the stripe (1-7), he made a number of strong moves in the post that we (or at least me), haven't seen from him before. While Samanic did have 8 turnovers, let's focus on the (many) positives here!
"There's good games, bad games. I had some bad moments. I stick with the team, try to do my best, missed some shots. Then, in the fourth, when the team most needed it, stepped up, and not only me, everybody did" said Samanic after the game. "So, just did it as a team to do what we had to do and we got the win".
As is becoming a repeating pattern, Tre Jones also had a strong game for the Spurs. Jones, who flirted with a triple double, had 19 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists.
"He's a great player. Great point guard, get's guys shots, where they want their shots", said Kenny Williams who started in the backcourt alongside Jones. "Only bad thing is he is a Dukie" (chuckle).
Robert Woodard II ( Sacramento Kings flex assignee) also had a strong game with 22 points and 15 rebounds.
"He's a great person, he's a fantastic teammate", said coach Matt Nielsen after the game. "He does all the hard effort things on the court. He supports his teammates. He's a fantastic guy to be around and has been a real great addition to the team."
It's a quick turnaround for the Spurs, who face the Canton Charge tomorrow (February 16th) at 3:00 pm ET (2:30 CT).
"We've got a target on our back now."
- Matt Nielsen.
* Photo and video via Austin Spurs