San Antonio's defense tightens up to secure a comeback win over the Jazz

11/22/2024 11:57 AM

Highlights from the Spurs win over the Jazz.

The San Antonio Spurs found themselves down by 16 points at halftime after the Utah Jazz had built a 20-point lead in the second quarter. Utah it shot after shot, while the Spurs' offense struggled to find traction. Something clicked at halftime as the Spurs outscored the Jazz 75-51 in the second half to pick up their 8th win of the season 126-118.

San Antonio got a huge night from veteran wing, Harrison Barnes. He led the team in scoring with 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, 5 of which came on the offensive glass where he secure crucial extra possessions for the Spurs while they were surging. Barnes has been lights out from deep this season, shooting 42.6% from beyond the arc. He was 4-5 on Thursday, hitting some difficult shots like this prayer late in the shot clock.

Barnes hasn't been a one-trick pony spot-up shooter for the Spurs. He's been active in getting to the basket in transition or attacking closeouts. His creativity around the basket has been one of the more fun wrinkles to San Antonio's offense this year. He's got slow steps, reverses and pivots around the basket that keep defenders off guard. He's been a very solid veteran presence for the Spurs.

Last season a kickout to a wide open player in the corner didn't necessarily mean the ball was going in with the Spurs lack of shooting. It felt automatic on Thursday in Barnes' hands.

Barnes' last shot of the night was the dagger. Charles Bassey saw a host of teal jerseys (GREAT uniforms, by the way) and tossed the swing pass after the short roll. Unfortunately he was throwing to players that were out of bounds. Barnes saved the ball, set his feet and nailed the three ball to put the Jazz away.

Bassey made the most of his opportunities once again with increased minutes. He had 11 points, 9 rebounds and 6 blocks (!!) in 27 minutes off the bench. The big man provided non-stop energy on both ends. Both Zach Collins and Bassey have made an impact while Victor Wembanyama misses time with a knee injury.

What makes Bassey so appealing as a bench option is his activity. The Spurs defense doesn't suffer when he's in the game. Sure, his offense is limited to rolls, cuts and put backs, but he more than makes up for it with his effort. Bassey will get out in transition and make plays happen, like this lob finish courtesy of Stephon Castle.

A problem for the Spurs last season was the defensive drop off when Wembanyama wasn't on the floor. Having a player like Bassey who can protect the rim while the big man gets a rest can help solve that issue. No one in the league can match Wembanyama's rim protection, but Bassey gave his best imitation with 6 blocks.

The Spurs' depth showed up across the board. Tre Jones had a solid game with 11 points and 2 assists. Here he connects with Bassey on the lob in the half court.

The Spurs defense forced 14 Jazz turnover, and held them to 41.8% shooting from the field. This steal and layup at the buzzer capped the Spurs 34-point third quarter and got them ready for a 41-point fourth quarter performance.

The Spurs were led in crunch time by the veteran, Chris Paul, and the rookie, Castle. CP3 had 13 points and 10 assists, and Castle put up 18 points and 6 assists. The guard duo was fantastic down the stretch as the Spurs took control. Their chemistry is growing by the game.

Castle's court vision has been impressive as a rookie. Whether it's getting to the paint like this play, or skipping passes on the perimeter, he knows where to be and who to get the ball to. Maybe there was something to the rook's request to play point guard in the NBA.

I loved this play from CP3 and Castle. The set up by Paul to get him the ball in a position to succeed in a major moment is huge for the team's success. It feels like Paul is raising the team's basketball IQ as the season goes along.

Here is some of Castle's downhill driving ability on display in the clutch. Bassey also set an impact screen to free it up.

Finally here is some vintage CP3. He gets the switch onto a big, lulls them to sleep and hits a big time jumper to put the Spurs up in the clutch. Paul has turned back the clock while the Spurs have struggled with injuries.

You can find full highlights from the game below. The Spurs will face the Golden State Warriors in their next contest on Saturday.