Originally posted January 12, 2018
In their second and final NBA G League Showcase appearance the Austin Spurs led for most of the game but could not hold on and fell to the Wisconsin Heard 93-92. The Spurs were done in by their poor shooting as they shot 40.7% from the field and a dismissal 23.3% (7-30) from behind the arch. While their free throw shooting 95% (19-20) helped fuel their scoring, the Spurs only held a 1 point advantage at the line as the Herd went 18-20. Ultimately, the Spurs had the last shot and a chance to win, alas a long step back two by Darrun Hilliard went off the back of the rim.
First Quarter
While the first quarter was relatively high scoring the Spurs were cold from behind the arch, a trend which continued for the rest of the game. The Spurs made up for the wayward shooting with a number offensive boards. Amida Brimah was once again a force of D with two blocks in the first quarter, including one monster block that I wish I caught on video. Livio Jean-Charles led the way for the Spurs with 8 points and Jaron Blossomgame was right behind him with 7. After the first quarter, the Spurs were up 27-22.
Second Quarter
During the second quarter, I kept on eye on Brimah as his play is starting to intrigue me. He had a solid game doing what he does best with 5 block shots and 10 rebounds. It is on offensive where Brimah still needs to develop. He had a nice put back early in the quarter but put up airball from 5 feet when was the recipient of very minor push in his midsection. One step forward, one step back is how I would best describe it. Nevertheless, I will be checking in on Brimah for the remainder of the season to see how he continues to develop. At the half, the Spurs will still up 5 and led the Herd 52-47.
Third Quarter
To start the third quarter, I headed down court-side to get a closer view of the action. It always amazing me how little room there actually is on the court and how big the players are. The Spurs play did to start the quarter was not nearly as good as the view as they struggled to score and, at one point, turned the ball over three times. The Spurs eventually steadied the ship to lead 62-55 mid way through the quarter and 72-66 as the quarter came to a close.
Fourth Quarter
The game slowly slipped away from the Spurs as the clock counted down and they continued to struggle to hit their shots. A push by Hilliard late in the quarter looked like it make be enough but the Spurs could not hold on and a Hilliard would-be game winner was long. Jean-Charles was the Spurs leading scorer with 18 points. Blossomgame and Hilliard each had 14. The #WinterofJeff had a +3 rating, he shot 1-8 from three which makes me sad. I will have to take solace by listening to the fun interview I had with him on Wednesday again.
That’s it for the Spurs at the G League Showcase. Their next game is on Monday January 15th on the road again the Maine Red Claws before returning home to the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park to play the Northern Arionza Sun. I will continue to followSpurs on Sixth for all my Austin Spurs coverage and you should too!